VOLKSWAGEN BORA Buying Guide & Reliability (2000-2006)

VOLKSWAGEN BORA Overview The Volkswagen Bora, produced between 2000 and 2006, is a compact sedan that has garnered a notable presence in the UK automotive market. With a total of 238 registered vehicles, the Bora is appreciated for its blend of practicality and performance.

Last updated September 08, 2025 1998 words Based on real UK vehicle data

VOLKSWAGEN BORA Overview

VOLKSWAGEN BORA Overview

The Volkswagen Bora, produced between 2000 and 2006, is a compact sedan that has garnered a notable presence in the UK automotive market. With a total of 238 registered vehicles, the Bora is appreciated for its blend of practicality and performance.

In terms of fuel types, the Bora is predominantly available in diesel, with 174 units compared to 64 petrol variants. This distribution reflects a preference for diesel among UK drivers, likely due to its fuel efficiency and torque characteristics.

The vehicle's MOT pass rate stands at 73.5%, indicating a reasonable level of reliability for this model. However, it is essential to be aware of common failure categories during MOT tests. The most frequent issues reported include lighting (32 failures), followed by other miscellaneous problems (23), brakes (22), suspension (19), and tyres (12).

When examining the colour distribution of the Volkswagen Bora, silver is the most popular choice, with 97 vehicles, followed by blue (58) and black (51). Other colours such as green and red are less common, with 13 and 7 units respectively.

The year distribution of registered vehicles shows a peak in 2004 with 62 units, while the earliest models from 2000 are significantly fewer, with only 2 registered. The average annual mileage for the Bora is approximately 4,979 miles, suggesting that many owners use it for regular commuting.

Regarding tax status, 123 vehicles are untaxed, 63 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and 52 are currently taxed. This data highlights the varying levels of usage among Bora owners.

Overall, the Volkswagen Bora remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient compact sedan. Please note that the data presented is based on available statistics and may not reflect the most current market conditions.

Reliability and MOT Performance

The Volkswagen Bora, produced between 2000 and 2006, has a total of 238 registered vehicles in the UK. With an overall MOT pass rate of 73.5%, this model demonstrates a reasonable level of reliability, although it is essential for potential buyers to be aware of common issues that may arise during testing.

In terms of common MOT failures, the Bora has shown particular weaknesses in several categories. The most frequent failure point is lighting, accounting for 32 instances. Other notable areas include general issues classified as 'Other' (23 failures), brakes (22 failures), suspension (19 failures), and tyres (12 failures). These statistics highlight the importance of regular maintenance and checks, especially in these critical areas.

When examining the fuel type distribution, it is evident that the majority of Bora vehicles are diesel, with 174 registered compared to 64 petrol variants. This preference for diesel may influence the vehicle's performance and maintenance considerations.

Colour preferences among Bora owners show a strong inclination towards silver, with 97 vehicles in this shade, followed by blue (58), black (51), green (13), and red (7). This variety may appeal to different aesthetic preferences among potential buyers.

Looking at the year distribution, the most common model years are 2004 (62 vehicles) and 2002 (65 vehicles), indicating a solid presence of these models in the market. The average annual mileage for the Bora stands at 4,979 miles, which is relatively low and may suggest that many owners use their vehicles sparingly.

It is also worth noting that out of the 238 registered vehicles, 123 are untaxed, 63 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and only 52 are currently taxed. This data may reflect the vehicle's age and the changing preferences of drivers.

While this information is based on available data, it is advisable for potential buyers to conduct thorough checks and consider professional assessments before making a purchase.

What to Check When Buying Used

When considering a used Volkswagen Bora, there are several key factors to evaluate to ensure a satisfactory purchase. With 238 registered vehicles in the UK, it’s essential to conduct thorough checks on the specific model you are interested in.

Firstly, review the vehicle's MOT history. The Bora has a pass rate of 73.5%, indicating that a significant number of vehicles may have issues. Pay particular attention to common failure categories, which include lighting (32 failures), brakes (22 failures), and suspension (19 failures). These areas are crucial for safety and should be inspected carefully.

Next, consider the vehicle's mileage. The average annual mileage for a Bora is approximately 4,979 miles. A vehicle with significantly higher mileage may have more wear and tear, while one with lower mileage could be a better investment.

Fuel type is another important aspect. The Bora is predominantly available in diesel (174 units) compared to petrol (64 units). Diesel models may offer better fuel efficiency, but it's essential to assess the specific needs and preferences you have regarding fuel type.

Colour preference can also influence your choice. The most common colours for the Bora are silver (97 units), blue (58 units), and black (51 units). Choosing a popular colour may enhance resale value in the future.

Lastly, check the tax status of the vehicle. Out of the 238 registered Boras, 123 are untaxed, and 63 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). Ensure that the vehicle you are considering is taxed and roadworthy.

In summary, when buying a used Volkswagen Bora, focus on the MOT history, common failure points, mileage, fuel type, colour, and tax status. This approach will help you make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: Data accuracy is based on the latest available information and may vary. Always verify details with the seller.

Running Costs and Specifications

Running Costs and Specifications

The Volkswagen Bora, produced between 2000 and 2006, has a total of 238 registered vehicles in the UK. With an average annual mileage of 4,979 miles, owners can expect reasonable running costs, particularly when considering the fuel type distribution. Of the registered models, 174 are diesel and 64 are petrol, which may influence fuel expenses depending on individual driving habits.

The MOT pass rate for the Bora stands at 73.5%, indicating a relatively good reliability record. However, it is essential to be aware of common failures that may arise during MOT tests. The most frequent issues include lighting (32 failures), followed by other categories such as brakes (22 failures), suspension (19 failures), and tyres (12 failures). These statistics highlight the importance of regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

In terms of tax status, 123 vehicles are currently untaxed, while 63 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and 52 are taxed. This distribution may reflect the varying levels of usage and ownership preferences among Bora owners.

Colour preferences for the Bora show a notable trend, with silver being the most popular choice (97 vehicles), followed by blue (58), black (51), green (13), and red (7). This variety allows potential buyers to select a model that suits their aesthetic preferences.

It is important to note that the data presented here is based on the latest available statistics and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective buyers should consult official sources or conduct further research.

Alternative Models to Consider

If you're considering the Volkswagen Bora, it’s worth exploring some alternative models that may suit your needs. The Bora, produced between 2000 and 2006, has a total of 238 registered vehicles in the UK, with a notable MOT pass rate of 73.5%. However, potential buyers should be aware of common failure categories, including lighting (32 failures), brakes (22 failures), and suspension (19 failures).

One alternative to consider is the Volkswagen Golf, which shares many components with the Bora but offers a more versatile hatchback design. The Golf has a strong reputation for reliability and a wider range of engine options, making it a popular choice among drivers.

Another option is the Ford Focus, known for its engaging driving experience and practicality. The Focus has consistently performed well in safety tests and offers a variety of trims and engine choices, catering to different preferences and budgets.

If you are looking for a more compact option, the Honda Civic is a solid contender. Renowned for its reliability and fuel efficiency, the Civic also boasts a spacious interior and a reputation for low running costs, making it an appealing choice for many drivers.

For those interested in diesel options, the Vauxhall Astra is worth considering. With a good selection of diesel engines and a comfortable ride, the Astra is a practical alternative that competes well in the same segment as the Bora.

In summary, while the Volkswagen Bora has its merits, exploring alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Vauxhall Astra can provide you with a broader perspective on what’s available in the market. Always ensure to check the latest data and reviews to make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on current statistics and may vary. Always verify information before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What years was the Volkswagen Bora produced?

The Volkswagen Bora was produced from 2000 to 2006, with a total of 238 registration plates recorded during this period.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Volkswagen Bora?

The MOT pass rate for the Volkswagen Bora stands at 73.5%. This indicates a relatively good level of roadworthiness among the vehicles tested.

What are the common reasons for MOT failures?

Common failures for the Volkswagen Bora include issues with lighting (32 failures), followed by other categories such as brakes (22 failures), suspension (19 failures), and tyres (12 failures). Addressing these areas can help improve the chances of passing the MOT.

What fuel types are available for the Volkswagen Bora?

The Volkswagen Bora is available in both diesel and petrol variants, with 174 diesel models and 64 petrol models registered.

What colours are most common for the Volkswagen Bora?

The most common colours for the Volkswagen Bora are silver (97 vehicles), blue (58 vehicles), and black (51 vehicles). Other colours include green (13 vehicles) and red (7 vehicles).

How many MOT tests have been conducted on the Volkswagen Bora?

A total of 3,760 MOT tests have been conducted on the Volkswagen Bora, providing a substantial dataset for assessing its performance and reliability.

What is the average annual mileage for the Volkswagen Bora?

The average annual mileage for the Volkswagen Bora is approximately 4,979 miles, which can be useful for understanding usage patterns.

Data accuracy is based on the latest available statistics and may vary. Always consult official sources for the most current information.

Data Source: This guide is based on analysis of extensive UK vehicle database in our database, including MOT test results and DVLA records.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only and is based on historical data in our database. Always verify current vehicle details with official sources and get a professional inspection before purchase.

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