VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 17,765 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1395cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1737/year to run. 7 points above 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 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 8 years old, 89% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 17,765 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,744 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
78,744
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 78,744 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a small family car with a 1395cc petrol engine. 17,765 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 78,744 miles at 8 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1395cc 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 PASSAT?
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 89% 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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
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 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 17,765 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT'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 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(2018) | 89% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2016) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£347 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£165 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £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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