VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3593cc Petrol
Great Choice
100% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 18 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3593cc
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 18 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 17 years old, 100% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,513 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
74,513
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 has 74,513 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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About the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36
The 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 is a performance with a 3593cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 1% of all 2009 cars for reliability.
With an average of 74,513 miles at 17 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 Fuel Costs
The 3593cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36
At 17 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 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. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 17 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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.
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 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT R36(2009) | 100% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£210 |
| MERCEDES E(2010) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| MERCEDES CLC(2009) | 73% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£210 |
| PORSCHE 911(2007) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
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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