Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Tdi estate: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen Golf
75%
MOT pass rate · 1,830,545 vehicles
Volkswagen Tdi estate
87%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Tdi estate (87%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Tdi estate |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% | 87% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 25% | 13% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 0.6 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 186,565 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 1 |
Most common faults
Volkswagen Golf
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Volkswagen Tdi estate
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecurely mounted to its housing (2.5.C.1a)
- Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)
- Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' (8.3.1e)
- both front tyres low on inner edges.
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Tdi estate (87%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Tdi estate report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.