VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 9,002 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
9,002
Avg Mileage
27,919 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£945
Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE 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 ID3 LIFEs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 9,002 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 27,919 miles.
How does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE has 27,919 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 ID3 LIFE?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2023 model has the lowest at 92%. The 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE 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 ID3 LIFE by Year
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 9,002 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 27,919 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE owners cover more miles than the average driver.
What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £945 (£79/month), broken down as £500 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 ID3 LIFE Reliability Trend
The VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE
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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 9,002 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 LIFE
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable electric cars with similar engines:
- TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD (2021) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 39,444 tests
- JAGUAR I-PACE (2020) 96% pass rate (+4%) from 18,488 tests
- TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE + (2021) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 15,258 tests
- TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD (2020) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 12,320 tests