VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 118,229 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
118,229
Avg Mileage
68,321 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,295
Is the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 8 years old, 90% of VOLKSWAGEN GOLFs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 118,229 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,321 miles.
How does the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has 68,321 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN GOLF?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2016 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 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 GOLF by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 42 | 48,967 mi |
| 2023 | 96% | 94 | 37,883 mi |
| 2022 | 100% | 50 | 24,291 mi |
| 2021 | 92% | 430 | 30,210 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 15,098 | 33,191 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 89,653 | 42,263 mi |
| 2018 | 92% | 111,972 | 51,770 mi |
| 2017 | 91% | 127,682 | 59,928 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 118,229 | 68,321 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 121,777 | 77,151 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 120,417 | 87,379 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 103,434 | 93,359 mi |
| 2012 | 80% | 98,183 | 101,911 mi |
| 2011 | 78% | 97,916 | 110,696 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 87,733 | 116,406 mi |
| 2009 | 77% | 85,462 | 116,549 mi |
| 2008 | 74% | 79,283 | 127,518 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 80,988 | 126,210 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 60,321 | 126,470 mi |
| 2005 | 72% | 41,401 | 129,877 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 25,662 | 127,809 mi |
| 2003 | 73% | 31,803 | 140,305 mi |
| 2002 | 73% | 27,474 | 142,659 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 15,315 | 133,140 mi |
| 2000 | 72% | 8,316 | 132,299 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 8,442 | 127,276 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 4,066 | 117,658 mi |
| 1997 | 74% | 3,130 | 113,175 mi |
| 1996 | 74% | 2,930 | 115,178 mi |
| 1995 | 75% | 1,612 | 108,721 mi |
| 1994 | 76% | 946 | 104,165 mi |
| 1993 | 76% | 834 | 105,417 mi |
| 1992 | 77% | 1,734 | 123,399 mi |
| 1991 | 80% | 5,191 | 134,589 mi |
| 1990 | 77% | 5,156 | 130,503 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN GOLF?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 118,229 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 68,321 miles at 8 years old, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Fuel Costs
The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,295 (£108/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN GOLFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. With 118,229 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel small family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2014) 79% pass rate (-11%) from 90,897 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2018) 89% pass rate (-1%) from 82,066 tests
- MERCEDES A-CLASS (2017) 88% pass rate (-2%) from 82,055 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2014) 80% pass rate (-10%) from 81,831 tests