Do VWs Last A Long Time?

VW is one of the largest car companies in the world, despite the emissions scandal that wracked sales five years ago. The German automotive giant is famous for producing high-quality cars that last for years. 

But how long do the company’s cars actually last? And should you invest a large sum of money in them? Let’s take a look. 

How Long Do VWs Last? 

VW has had many ups and downs as a brand over recent years. Between 2000 and 2015, the German automaker could do nothing wrong. After that, its brand and reputation have been more mixed. 

With so, most VWs will last a long time, particularly those produced more recently. The majority of the firm's larger cars will run for 200,000 miles before requiring replacement. Smaller vehicles will go for around 100,000 miles before you need to replace them. 

There are some additional factors that determine how long a VW will last. The first depends on the particular model purchased. Production methods are superior for some cars than others. 

Another factor is the care you show for the vehicle. If you get it regularly maintained at service stations using parts from reputable Volkswagen car breakers, it will last longer. If you don’t follow a schedule, it won’t survive as long. 

Lastly, how long VWs survive depends on how often you take them out on the road. Weekend-only vehicles last substantially longer than those used for daily commutes. 

Overall, VWs tend to last a long time. They don’t depreciate rapidly compared to other brands. And they tend to make good second-hand vehicles. 

Are VWs Reliable?

When it comes to reliability, VWs are okay, but not the best. Overall lifetime service costs tend to be slightly higher, but that’s true of practically all German brands. The complexity of the engineering that goes into all the vehicles is significant. 

When bringing a VW onto the road, you’ll want to make at least one visit to the mechanic every two years. Older vehicles will require servicing once per year. Preventative maintenance is superior to fixing problems as they occur. Most dealerships will give you a service schedule, based on their experience with other similar models and vehicles. 

Which Is The Most Reliable VW?

Not all VWs production lines are the same. Some appear to produce more reliable vehicles than others. This has to do with subtle changes in tooling, engineering specifications, and parts. 

Post-2010 Passats are among the most reliable, along with the VW Golf, the brand’s most famous model. Other options include the Beetle (surprisingly) and the Jetta. 

As with all manufacturers, newer models tend to be considerably more reliable than older ones. Car makers have become adept at designing cars that simply don’t go wrong in the way they used to. Issues with previous generations are all but absent on newer models, many of which will serve you well beyond 150,000 miles. 

The cost of getting a VW repaired can be high, but it is manageable. Overall, they will last a long time, perhaps 20 years with proper care.