Volkswagens are speedy, safe, a little quirky—and they are pretty reliable. They rank 12th out of 32nd for reliability compared to other car brands. The average annual repair cost for a Volkswagen is $676.

How much does a Volkswagen cost? Well, the purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll also need to budget for regular maintenance to keep your Volkswagen running smoothly. Plus, some models cost more than others to maintain.

To help you understand what to expect with your new (or new-to-you) Volkswagen, the

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How much maintenance does my Volkswagen require?

When you hear “Volkswagen,” you may think of vintage Vanagons or their clever advertising campaigns. But Volkswagens are also very reliable vehicles. Although VW maintenance costs are a touch higher than the national average, you can expect your Volkswagen to require less maintenance than other cars.

According to RepairPal, Volkswagens tend to visit the repair shop about 0.5 times per year for unscheduled maintenance, and only 11% of those repairs are considered severe. This rate is better than the national average of 12% across all models.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

How much does maintenance for a Volkswagen cost?

On average, a Volkswagen costs about $676 per year for standard maintenance.

Your specific cost, however, will depend on how you use your vehicle (i.e. high mileage vs. low mileage) as well as which model you own. For instance, a Jetta and a Golf have different maintenance costs.

Let’s look a bit closer. Here are a few examples of average annual maintenance costs for popular Volkswagen models.

Budget: Volkswagen Jetta

Reliability: 4/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $469 (average)

Repair frequency: ~10,000 miles

Mid-range: Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability:4.5/5 (average)

Annual Maintenance cost: $535 (average)

Repair Frequency: 0.4 times per year (average)

Splurge: Volkswagen Golf R

Reliability: 4.5/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $1,051(average)

Repair frequency: 0.3 times per year (average)

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Why you should maintain your Volkswagen

Regular maintenance is the best way to know that you are driving a safe vehicle. It’s also a good strategy for saving money, as it prevents problems due to build-up and neglect.

A well-maintained vehicle:

Increases your safety while driving

Saves you money by preventing expensive problems

Keeps your car performing at its best

Keeps the value of your car high

We know it’s not fun to perform routine maintenance. But remember, a poorly maintained Volkswagen puts you at risk of driving an unsafe vehicle and having an expensive breakdown. Why risk it?

Key Takeaway: In general, Volkswagens are more reliable than the average vehicle. However, some models—like the Jetta—are more reliable and affordable to maintain than others.

How often does a Volkswagen require maintenance?

Mileage	Service	Average cost
Every 10,000 miles	Oil change, tire rotation	$65 to $115
Every 20,000 miles	Change brake fluid	$80 to $120
Every 50,000 miles	Replace spark plugs	$157 to $218

Oil changes

When: Usually required every 10,000 miles

Cost: $25 to $75

Why: Removes excess dirt that can build up in your engine from daily use

DIY?: Perhaps—if you have the right tools and skills

Tire replacement

When: NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven

Cost: $200 to $500

Why: Worn-out tires are unsafe and can lead to hydroplaning in wet weather

DIY?: No—allow a professional to ensure a balanced installation for even wear and a smooth ride

Engine replacement

When: If the engine block is cracked, damaged in a collision, or simply worn out due to high-mileage

Cost: $4,000 to $7,000

Why: Your engine is the key to prolonging the life of your Volkswagen

DIY?: No—take the car to a reputable mechanic for an engine replacement

Windshield replacement

When: If the crack is longer than your hand, extends to the outer edge of the windshield, or deep enough that it goes halfway into the windshield

Cost: ~$350

Why: If you can’t see clearly, it’s dangerous to drive

DIY?: No—avoid attempting to install a new windshield yourself

Paint

When: Visible discoloration or paint peeling

Cost: $1,000 to $4,500

Why: It’s not just vanity! You can prevent corrosion and improve resale value with a good paint job

DIY?: Possible—only attempt this if you have a safe place to apply paint and professional-grade tools

Oil slush build up in the engine

When: If your vehicle is performing poorly or rough idling

Cost: $469 to $565

Why: Sludgy oil can inhibit your engine’s performance (and thus, safety and efficiency)

DIY?: No—go to an auto shop for this service

MORE:

How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

Finding cheap car insurance

It’s important to perform regular maintenance—but no matter how well you maintain your Volkswagen, you can’t predict the future. That’s why a good car insurance policy is a smart way to protect yourself and your vehicle from unpredictable situations.

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“When using Jerry, I just put in a bit of information, and they found lots of different quotes for me. I was paying $305 a month for 2 brand-new cars, but now I’m paying $150 a month for both with full coverage!” ––Robin U.

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