VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,321 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1400cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1400cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 82% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,321 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,513 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
75,513
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 75,513 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2016 sits between the two at 82%.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 90% | 40 | 62,425 mi | |
| 2017 | 81% | 593 | 59,639 mi | |
| 2016 | 82% | 1,321 | 75,513 mi | |
| 2015 | 80% | 2,021 | 83,208 mi | |
| 2014 | 78% | 1,754 | 96,885 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 1,876 | 100,152 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 2,074 | 113,174 mi | |
| 2011 | 78% | 1,645 | 116,779 mi | |
| 2010 | 79% | 1,138 | 113,968 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 1,967 | 118,308 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 3,010 | 130,113 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 3,885 | 133,468 mi | |
| 2006 | 74% | 3,004 | 135,613 mi | |
| 2005 | 62% | 66 | 148,664 mi | |
| 1991 | 87% | 217 | 126,890 mi | |
| 1990 | 82% | 157 | 126,764 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is a small family car with a 1400cc petrol engine. 1,321 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 75,513 miles at 10 years old, VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Fuel Costs
The 1400cc 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 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
At 10 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN JETTA(2016) | 82% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£347 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£60 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£187 |
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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