VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 430 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
430
Avg Mileage
30,210 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF reliable?
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 3 years old, 92% of VOLKSWAGEN GOLFs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 430 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 30,210 miles.
How does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has 30,210 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 430 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 30,210 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Alternatives to the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 124,950 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 68,639 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 52,321 tests
- MINI COOPER (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 52,140 tests