VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 89,653 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 7 years old, 92% of VOLKSWAGEN GOLFs from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 89,653 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,263 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
42,263
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has 42,263 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2019 sits between the two at 92%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 89,653 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 42,263 miles at 7 years old, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Fuel Costs
The 1498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
At 7 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 89,653 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1587 |
| FORD FIESTA(2018) | 90% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£187 |
| FORD FOCUS(2017) | 89% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1732+£145 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£37 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2017) | 82% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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