Volkswagen Jetta (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,321 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1400cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1400cc10 years old1,321 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1400cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Jettas from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 1,321 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,513 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models419th of 539(bottom 23%)

Rank among Volkswagen models705th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average-3%(85% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-3%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

75,513

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Volkswagen Jetta had 75,513 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2016 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2015 · 998cc Petrol

£1,600/year

81%

-1%

Vauxhall Corsa

2015 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

78%

-4%

Ford Focus

2014 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-2%

Nissan Qashqai

2017 · 1200cc Petrol

£1,780/year

86%

+4%

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About the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a small family car. Our records list a 1400cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,321 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 23% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 75,513 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Jetta owners cover more miles than the average driver.

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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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

The Volkswagen Jetta has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

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

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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Jetta(2016)	82%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003
Ford Fiesta(2015)	81%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600-£403
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)	78%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£150
Ford Focus(2014)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078+£75
Nissan Qashqai(2017)	86%	£1,175	£200	Grp 5-15	£1,780-£223

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 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2016 Volkswagen Jettas ended in a pass, from 1,321 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

82% of 1,321 MOT tests on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 419th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 23%).

Which year Volkswagen Jetta has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2008 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is 75,513 miles, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.