VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 34 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
34
Avg Mileage
24,384 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,632
Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 3 years old, 82% of VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 34 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 24,384 miles.
How does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has 24,384 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2021 sits between the two at 82%.
How much does a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82% | 34 | 24,384 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 163 | 25,656 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 1,834 | 32,886 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 1,916 | 40,337 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 2,069 | 48,374 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 1,492 | 54,415 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 1,538 | 59,638 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 1,293 | 65,769 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 1,019 | 73,000 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 1,034 | 73,586 mi |
| 2011 | 80% | 667 | 77,345 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 589 | 80,341 mi |
| 2009 | 84% | 99 | 86,953 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 119 | 92,350 mi |
| 2007 | 83% | 96 | 115,434 mi |
| 2006 | 82% | 62 | 95,967 mi |
| 2005 | 65% | 31 | 130,050 mi |
| 1991 | 68% | 31 | 181,733 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA is a family car with a 1968cc diesel engine. 34 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 97% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 24,384 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Fuel Costs
The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,632 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (+7%) from 93,803 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (+9%) from 72,831 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2019) 89% pass rate (+7%) from 65,751 tests
- FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM (2019) 87% pass rate (+5%) from 59,814 tests