VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30,407 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1380cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1380cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 15 years old, 77% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30,407 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,692 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
143,692
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 143,692 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2011 sits between the two at 77%.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 96% | 115 | 28,795 mi | |
| 2022 | 95% | 112 | 32,575 mi | |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,883 | 48,544 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 3,693 | 51,051 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 10,401 | 64,414 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 17,765 | 78,744 mi | |
| 2017 | 87% | 23,604 | 91,978 mi | |
| 2016 | 86% | 25,422 | 104,333 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 26,110 | 113,668 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 26,568 | 119,255 mi | |
| 2013 | 79% | 22,147 | 127,390 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 25,128 | 136,337 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 30,407 | 143,692 mi | |
| 2010 | 76% | 21,533 | 142,381 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 21,442 | 142,464 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 17,841 | 148,772 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 15,448 | 152,684 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 10,368 | 152,502 mi | |
| 2005 | 74% | 7,453 | 156,295 mi | |
| 2004 | 73% | 6,247 | 161,943 mi | |
| 2003 | 72% | 5,106 | 162,240 mi | |
| 2002 | 72% | 3,237 | 159,288 mi | |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,897 | 161,435 mi | |
| 2000 | 68% | 891 | 164,572 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,147 | 167,995 mi | |
| 1998 | 71% | 946 | 154,291 mi | |
| 1997 | 77% | 256 | 150,194 mi | |
| 1996 | 84% | 142 | 140,487 mi | |
| 1995 | 68% | 107 | 149,628 mi | |
| 1994 | 73% | 86 | 126,099 mi | |
| 1993 | 85% | 94 | 188,041 mi | |
| 1992 | 76% | 83 | 145,928 mi | |
| 1991 | 73% | 49 | 149,661 mi | |
| 1990 | 81% | 54 | 146,491 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a small family car with a 1380cc petrol engine. 30,407 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 143,692 miles at 15 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1380cc 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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 15 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 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 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 30,407 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT'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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 144k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT(2011) | 77% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2012) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£347 |
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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