VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,209 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,637
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1637/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 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 SHARANs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,209 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,763 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
80,763
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN has 80,763 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 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 60%. The 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 94% | 32 | 58,054 mi | |
| 2023 | 96% | 45 | 36,329 mi | |
| 2022 | 83% | 36 | 45,020 mi | |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,860 | 26,033 mi | |
| 2020 | 89% | 2,458 | 40,416 mi | |
| 2019 | 91% | 9,709 | 92,208 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 5,209 | 80,763 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 5,436 | 99,674 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 5,322 | 117,033 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 5,386 | 118,143 mi | |
| 2014 | 83% | 5,121 | 116,423 mi | |
| 2013 | 82% | 4,249 | 112,359 mi | |
| 2012 | 81% | 3,959 | 107,276 mi | |
| 2011 | 81% | 4,078 | 115,991 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 1,274 | 139,864 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 1,013 | 139,940 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 1,090 | 140,672 mi | |
| 2007 | 65% | 1,352 | 142,445 mi | |
| 2006 | 64% | 1,294 | 142,616 mi | |
| 2005 | 64% | 1,301 | 142,399 mi | |
| 2004 | 66% | 781 | 149,108 mi | |
| 2003 | 64% | 501 | 150,605 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 354 | 140,476 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 163 | 131,329 mi | |
| 2000 | 75% | 75 | 134,486 mi | |
| 1999 | 63% | 57 | 129,752 mi | |
| 1998 | 77% | 100 | 149,156 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 79 | 132,258 mi | |
| 1996 | 60% | 58 | 159,071 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN is a family car with a 1968cc diesel engine. 5,209 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight 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 80,763 miles at 8 years old, VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN Fuel Costs
The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,637 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 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 SHARAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN SHARANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN
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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 5,209 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 81k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 SHARAN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN(2018) | 89% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1637 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£287 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2018) | 84% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
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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