VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 593 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1400cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 9 years old, 81% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 593 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,639 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,639
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 59,639 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2017 sits between the two at 81%.
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 with a 1400cc petrol engine. 593 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 88% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 59,639 miles at 9 years old, 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2017 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 81% 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 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
Based on the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN JETTA(2017) | 81% | £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(2015) | 85% | £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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