How much does a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has a 86% MOT pass rate based on 25,422 tests in 2026. This ranks 354 out of 586 cars from 2016.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is most reliable?

The 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 1995 at 68%.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2016)

Q: Is the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 25,422 tests. That's 4 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

The average mileage for a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is 104,333 miles, which is above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 25,422 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,707

£142/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Diesel

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2000cc10 years old25,422 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2000cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 2000cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,707

Per month£142/mo

Per week£33/wk

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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 10 years old, 86% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 25,422 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,333 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars354th of 586(top 60%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models595th of 1,118(top 53%)

vs national average+4%(82% avg)

vs 2016 cars average+1%(85% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average+1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,333

Average miles

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 104,333 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 86%.

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

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,350/year

91%

+5%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

79%

-7%

AUDI A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

88%

+2%

FORD TRANSIT

2017 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,632/year

81%

-5%

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About the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a family car with a 2000cc diesel engine. 25,422 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 104,333 miles at 10 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs

The 2000cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

At 10 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 25,422 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 104k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 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(2016)	86%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1707
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017)	91%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1350-£357
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014)	79%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£112
AUDI A3(2015)	88%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£262
FORD TRANSIT(2017)	81%	£1037	£190	Grp 18-32	£1632-£75

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.