Volkswagen was formed in Germany in 1937 as a company devoted to producing cars that are convenient and reliable while also being affordable. The “People’s Car” continues to be influential today, with prominent vehicles like the Golf and Jetta compact cars and the Tiguan crossover SUV being hit vehicles. But how long do Volkswagens last, and are they truly reliable?
New Volkswagens can last for about 100,000 to 150,000 miles on average, with well-serviced and maintained vehicles potentially lasting up to 200,000 miles.
- How Many Miles Do Volkswagens Last?
- Is Volkswagens Reliable?
- What Are the Most Reliable Volkswagen Models?
- Vehicles With a 1.8T Engine
- What Are the Least Reliable Volkswagen Models?
- What Is Considered High Mileage For a Volkswagen?
- How To Make A Volkswagen Last Longer
- Do Volkswagens Hold Their Value?
- Do Volkswagens Break Down A Lot?
- Conclusion
How Many Miles Do Volkswagens Last?
Volkswagens can last for 100,000 to 150,000 miles when maintained well. VW vehicles require regular care to ensure their vehicles can last this long.
Some VW vehicles can last for even longer than 150,000 miles. The odds are you might have seen an older Beetle or Type 2 Microbus from the 1960s on the road. There was even one diesel-powered Jetta that managed to get more than 550,000 miles.
You can get your VW to last for hundreds of thousands of miles by following a few maintenance standards:
- Change your engine oil every six months or every 10,000 miles. You can do this more often if you wish.
- Bring your vehicle in for regular inspection or maintenance once or twice a year. Your local Volkswagen dealer should have a station where your car can be maintained and reviewed.
- Request an inspection if you notice any sudden issues with your engine. It is easier to restore your engine and prevent further damage if you ask for help soon enough.
- The transmission and brake fluid in your vehicle should be reviewed every few months. Be sure these fluids are at their proper levels.
- For diesel-powered VWs, check the diesel exhaust fluid or DEF level after every third or fourth fillup. Make sure the DEF you use is about 2 to 3 percent of the amount of diesel fuel in your vehicle.
- Replace your car battery every four to five years, but check its body to see if it is corroding. You’ll need to replace the battery immediately if it starts corroding.
- Be cautious while on the road, and avoid harsh or rough driving actions.
Expert Tip: For more VW How-To Videos, click the link here.
Is Volkswagens Reliable?
Volkswagen takes pride in producing quality vehicles, as the company holds strong standards for building its cars.
Volkswagens are built in various plants throughout the world, including not only in Germany but also in the United States, Mexico, Spain, India, Argentina, and South Africa. The company holds high standards for the production of its vehicles and even holds a strong partnership with fellow German car companies Audi and Porsche. Some components in Porsche and Audi cars can be found in VW vehicles.
Repair Pal writes that Volkswagen is the 12th-most reliable car brand out of 32 brands the website tracks. The website says it costs about $676 a year to maintain and repair a VW vehicle, which is slightly over the $652 average. But only about 11% of the repairs VWs require on average are considered “severe” according to Repair Pal.
Consumer Reports also said in 2021 that VW was the 24th-most reliable brand in the world, although it was deemed more reliable than Tesla and Lincoln. The group also says that an average VW will spend about 2.5 hours on a repair ramp each year, suggesting most repairs for VWs are minor.
What Are the Most Reliable Volkswagen Models?
Golf
The VW Golf is a reliable compact car with US News and World Report giving it a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10. The vehicle provides simple handling and outstanding fuel economy and is simple enough for most people to use without effort.
Beetles From 2012 Onward
The Beetle is an excellent vehicle to find if you’re looking for a used VW. Beetles from 2012 and onward are more reliable, as they have fewer complaints from owners and appear to have resolved many issues from older versions, including ones from the 2000s.
Engine overheating and oil leaks aren’t much of an issue with Beetles from the 2010s as they were for some older models.
Jettas From 2019 Onward
The VW Jetta has become increasingly reliable in recent years, with current generation Jettas from 2019 onward having a Repair Pal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Tiguan
The Tiguan has a J.D. Power reliability score of 76 out of 100. The Tiguan shifts between gears well and provides a calm ride, plus it can tow about 1,500 pounds depending on the engine.
Vehicles With a 1.8T Engine
Regardless of what VW model interests you the most, a vehicle with a 1.8T engine is more reliable than one with a different powertrain. The 1.8T is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that uses controls to move air near the cylinder heads at high rpm, providing a more efficient design.
What Are the Least Reliable Volkswagen Models?
VWProblems.com writes that the least reliable VW cars are:
What Is Considered High Mileage For a Volkswagen?
A high-mileage VW would have at least 120,000 miles on its odometer. The mileage is based on the average person driving for about 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year, or around 1,000 miles a month.
Be cautious when looking at how well your VW runs if it’s at a high mileage total. Some of the more common concerns to watch in a VW with 100,000 or more miles include:
- Timing belt failures
- Oil pump failures
- Improper firing in the battery junction; this problem is more common in Beetles
- Oil contamination in turbochargers where applicable
How To Make A Volkswagen Last Longer
Have you ever wondered how you can make A Volkswagen last longer? In today’s article, we look at some tips that may come in handy. Let’s get started!
1. Fill your tank with the correct gas type
The vast majority of Volkswagens now on the road are turbocharged. (Turbocharged Volkswagens require PREMIUM FUEL or 93 OCTANE)
2. Check the air pressure in your tires at least once a month (if not more often)
Every Volkswagen is equipped with a Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Stick, which allows you to determine the optimal tire pressures for your vehicle’s tires.
3. Do not accelerate when approaching a red light
Driving your Volkswagen through an intersection on its brakes will increase the life of its brakes, tires, and suspension parts while also saving money on fuel use.
4. Pay attention to the vehicle’s warning lights
When your car’s Check Engine Light illuminates, it signifies that the engine’s computer has identified that your car is not performing optimally.
Do Volkswagens Hold Their Value?
People really want to know, “Do Volkswagens Hold Their Value?” The end answer could come as a surprise to anyone on the market. The collectors want to seek out info before they buy the car.
They might trade the car at a later date for more value. That is a top choice and one which has inspired much change for the people who are buying a car and want it to hold value. That is a simple option for car buyers too.
The reviews could answer that question and give buyers more hope. “Do Volkswagens Hold Their Value?” The answer is yes, but the project is going to be a worthy one. The buyers want to seek the right details about the value. The purchase made will increase in value over the years as well. Trust the brand and try to repair the vehicle to maintain that seller’s value.
Do Volkswagens Break Down A Lot?
Many drivers ask one simple question, “Do Volkswagens break down a lot?” The end answer is yes, in part because of the design of the vehicle. That same car is going to be a great vehicle in real-time.
But do remember to give the car some preventative maintenance as well. A little care can actually make the vehicle last a while longer. The car can rack up miles with some help too. That is a great option for any new car owner.
The question people ask is going to be, “Do Volkswagens break down a lot?” The reviews for the vehicle might shed more light on it overall. That same vehicle has come under scrutiny for a myriad of reasons. The reviews show off what people can expect to find as well. The VW brand has been supported by many excellent mechanical advances. That will maintain the car overall.
Conclusion
You can expect a Volkswagen to last for at least 100,000 miles, with the vehicle potentially going longer if you maintain it well. But be sure you look for a vehicle that is reliable and isn’t at risk of mechanical or operational issues.
Do you have a Volkswagen that’s been going for a while? Leave a comment to let us know.
You can also leave a comment if you have any further questions. We’d love to help you understand what to expect out of a Volkswagen.