VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 162 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc 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 5 years old, 89% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-As from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 162 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,117 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,117
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A has 43,117 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 89%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 162 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 81% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 43,117 miles at 5 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A Fuel Costs
The 1498cc 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A?
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.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A
At 5 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEL TSI S-A(2021) | 89% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2019) | 91% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£337 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2019) | 88% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732-£5 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
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.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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2018 · 1968cc Diesel
FORD FIESTA
2019 · 998cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2019 · 1498cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2019 · 1398cc Petrol
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