Volkswagen ID4 Life (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,736 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,010
£84/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
Electric
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1,010/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Home charging at about 7.5p a mile
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
93% of MOT tests on Volkswagen ID4 Lifes from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 2,736 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 42,881 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
42,881
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life had 42,881 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Volkswagen ID4 Life by Year
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About the 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life
The 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 2,736 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 42,881 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen ID4 Life owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,010 (£84/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life
At 5 years old, the Volkswagen ID4 Life offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Battery Degradation
Medium riskAfter 5 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
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 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID4 Life(2021) | 93% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010 |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd(2021) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
| Jaguar I-Pace(2020) | 96% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010same |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +(2021) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£150 |
| Nissan Leaf(2021) | 94% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life
Is the 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Lifes ended in a pass, from 2,736 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.
How much does a 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,010 a year (£84 a month): £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life?
93% of 2,736 MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1455th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Life is 42,881 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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