Volkswagen Jetta (2017)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 593 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,003
£167/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1400cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
81% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Jettas from 2017 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 7 years old. That's based on 593 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 59,639 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,639
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2017 Volkswagen Jetta had 59,639 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2017 scores 81%. 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
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About the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a small family car. Our records list a 1400cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 593 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 13% of 2017 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 59,639 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Jetta owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 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 2017 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 81% 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 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2017 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(2017) | 81% | £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(2015) | 85% | £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 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2017 Volkswagen Jettas ended in a pass, from 593 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
81% of 593 MOT tests on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 473rd of 540 models first registered in 2017 (bottom 13%).
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 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is 59,639 miles, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Volkswagen Models
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Ford Focus
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