VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 40 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1400cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 8 years old, 90% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,425 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,425
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 62,425 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2018 sits between the two at 90%.
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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is a small family car with a 1400cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 62,425 miles at 8 years old, VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
At 8 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%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 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 2018 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(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1587 |
| FORD FIESTA(2016) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£197 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677+£90 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£37 |
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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