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Used Volkswagen: which models are reliable?

The 20 Volkswagen models analysed on Quelle Occasion, ranked from most to least recommended based on their sourced faults, prices and real cost.

models analysed
20
Average reliability
3.6/5
documented faults
86
Prices from
€2,900

Average reliability is the mean score of the models analysed on this site, not a rating of the whole brand: it changes with every new guide.

Key facts

Used Volkswagen ranking

  1. Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen ID.4

    since 2021 · Electric

    Estimated monthly cost
    €578/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen ID.4
  3. Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Polo

    since 2017 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €452/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Polo
  6. Good choice, check first

    Photo: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Arteon

    2017–2023 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €529/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Arteon
  9. Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Tiguan

    2016–2024 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €539/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Tiguan
  12. Buy with care

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Golf

    since 2020 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €437/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Golf
  17. Buy with care

    Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Golf

    2012–2020 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric

    Estimated monthly cost
    €409/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Golf
  18. Buy with care

    Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Passat

    2014–2023 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €396/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Passat
  20. Extra caution

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen CC

    2012–2017 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €450/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen CC

Volkswagen engines

Engines fitted to the Volkswagen models we analysed, from most to least reliable.

Volkswagen comparisons

Frequently asked questions

What is the most reliable used Volkswagen?

Among the models we analysed, the Volkswagen ID.4 I has the best reliability score: 5.0/5, calculated from its known, sourced faults.

Which used Volkswagen models should you avoid?

No model we analysed is rated "Avoid" or "Poor reliability". The lowest score is the Volkswagen Tiguan I (2.0/5): check its known faults before buying.

Which used Volkswagen should you buy on a small budget?

The Volkswagen Golf V is the cheapest to buy among the models we analysed: from €2,900 according to our price surveys. The lowest all-in monthly cost is the Volkswagen Polo V: about €261 per month at 12,000 km a year.

Which Volkswagen engines are reliable?

Among the engines we analysed, the Volkswagen 1.0 TSI (EA211) has the best reliability score (5.0/5) and the Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA288 and EA288 evo) the lowest (3.5/5).

Before you buy: check and equip

Check the history

Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Volkswagen (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

Insure the car

Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.

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