Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,096 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,002
£167/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
86% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDIs from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 7,096 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 43,504 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,504
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI had 43,504 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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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2021 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI
The 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI is a van. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,096 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 11% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 43,504 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline 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 T28 Startline 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 T28 Startline TDI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI Reliability Trend
The Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI
At 5 years old, the Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 87%. With 7,096 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
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 T28 Startline 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 T28 Startline TDI(2021) | 86% | £1,397 | £200 | n/a | £2,002 |
| Ford Transit Custom(2019) | 87% | £1,397 | £200 | n/a | £2,002same |
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 T28 Startline TDI
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDIs ended in a pass, from 7,096 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI?
86% of 7,096 MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2990th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 11%).
Which year Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2020 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Startline TDI is 43,504 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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