Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 80 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,852
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1968cc Diesel
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
94% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Transporter SE TDIs from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 80 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 38,759 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
38,759
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI had 38,759 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI by Year
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About the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI
The 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI is a van. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 80 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 38,759 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI
At 5 years old, the Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 80 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.
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
Medium riskDiesel 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
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 Transporter SE TDI 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 Transporter SE TDI(2021) | 94% | £1,397 | £200 | n/a | £1,852 |
| Ford Transit Custom(2019) | 87% | £1,397 | £200 | n/a | £2,002+£150 |
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 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDIs ended in a pass, from 80 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 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 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI?
94% of 80 MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1345th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter SE TDI is 38,759 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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