Volkswagen Golf Life TDI
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 3 model years from 1,526 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests
1,526
Highest Pass Rate
2020 (93%)
Years Covered
3
About the Volkswagen Golf Life TDI
The Volkswagen Golf Life TDI was MOT tested 1,526 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 3 model years (2020 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 93%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 504 tests. The 2021 model has the lowest at 90%. With just a 3 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2020) averages 46,133 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 52,584 miles.
Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Golf Life TDI performs 8 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the Volkswagen range.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2022 detailsHow reliable is the Volkswagen Golf Life TDI?
Volkswagen Golf Life TDI by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volkswagen Golf Life TDI
Is the Volkswagen Golf Life TDI reliable?
Across its 3 model years in our data (2020 to 2022), the Volkswagen Golf Life TDI averages a 93% MOT pass rate, from 1,526 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.
Which year Volkswagen Golf Life TDI has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf Life TDI has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 90%, a 3 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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