Volkswagen Golf vs Toyota Corolla: which costs less to run in the UK?
Bought 2–4 years old on finance, the Toyota Corolla works out about £71 cheaper over 3 years (after resale), on our estimates. Here is where the difference comes from.
| Volkswagen Golf | Toyota Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, 2–4 years old | £17,000 | £18,000 |
| Price new (up to) | £32,680 | £29,240 |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol (hybrid) |
| Consumption | 5.3 L/100 km | 4 L/100 km |
| CO₂ | 126 g/km | 91 g/km |
| Fuel per month | £88 | £66 |
| Insurance per month (bought) | £50 | £52 |
| Maintenance per month | £47 | £50 |
| Buy: total per month | £609 | £617 |
| Buy: net 3-year cost | £15,969 | £15,898 |
| Lease new: total per month | £519 | £563 |
| Lease new: 3-year cost | £18,669 | £20,279 |
Based on 1,000 km (about 621 miles) a month on mixed roads. Road tax is the same £200/yr standard rate for both (plus £640/yr for versions that cost over £40,000 new). All assumptions →
Volkswagen Golf
The benchmark compact car for 50 years. The Golf does everything well and holds its value better than almost any rival.
Full Volkswagen Golf cost breakdown →
Toyota Corolla
The world's best-selling car series. The Corolla Hybrid transforms fuel costs and is one of the most dependable cars ever made.
Full Toyota Corolla cost breakdown →
Is it the right car for you?
CarAI asks 11 questions about how you actually live — commute, passengers, luggage, budget — and recommends specific cars with their running costs for the UK. Free, about 2 minutes.
Not sure? Let the quiz decide →