VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,693 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1800cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 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 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 6 years old, 91% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,693 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,051 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
51,051
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 51,051 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2020 sits between the two at 91%.
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 2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a family car with a 1800cc petrol engine. 3,693 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 51,051 miles at 6 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1800cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 6 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 6 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 2020 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(2020) | 91% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2018) | 85% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732-£45 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| MINI COOPER(2018) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
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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