Volkswagen Passat R36 (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,003
£250/month
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Excellent
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3593cc Petrol
Great Choice
100% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 18 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
100% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Passat R36s from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 74,513 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,513
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36 had 74,513 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 large-engined car. Our records list a 3593cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 2009 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 74,513 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Passat R36(2009) | 100% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2007) | 75% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£300 |
| Mercedes E(2010) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£150 |
| Mercedes CLC(2009) | 73% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£300 |
| Porsche 911(2007) | 90% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 100% of MOT tests on 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36s ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36 cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36?
100% of 30 MOT tests on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 8th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top 2%).
What is the average mileage for a 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat R36 is 74,513 miles, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Volkswagen Models
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Mercedes CLC
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