Volkswagen Caddy (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 212 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1588cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1588cc36 years old212 tests139k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1588cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

74% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Caddys from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 212 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 138,662 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models139th of 182(bottom 25%)

Rank among Volkswagen models893rd of 1,086(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-5%(79% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-11%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

138,662

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Volkswagen Caddy had 138,662 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1990 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Caddy by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	1,931	27,508 mi
2020	88%	13,202	53,906 mi
2019	87%	18,573	63,050 mi
2018	87%	19,106	75,449 mi
2017	84%	21,344	81,861 mi
2016	82%	24,550	93,514 mi
2015	81%	22,659	99,855 mi
2014	80%	23,277	114,550 mi
2013	80%	24,686	120,918 mi
2012	79%	19,331	136,051 mi
2011	78%	25,166	135,711 mi
2010	75%	17,547	147,995 mi
2009	76%	13,027	149,844 mi
2008	77%	11,139	161,130 mi
2007	75%	9,178	159,205 mi
2006	75%	6,102	164,468 mi
2005	74%	4,454	166,551 mi
2004	74%	2,512	172,117 mi
2003	70%	573	142,939 mi
2002	72%	501	144,373 mi
2001	64%	291	134,932 mi
2000	69%	372	120,625 mi
1999	72%	484	117,159 mi
1998	67%	210	110,923 mi
1997	72%	90	121,741 mi
1992	80%	181	94,923 mi
1991	75%	166	125,877 mi
1990	74%	212	138,662 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+6%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+10%

Rover Mini

1991 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

+6%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+11%

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About the 1990 Volkswagen Caddy

The 1990 Volkswagen Caddy is a small family car. Our records list a 1588cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 212 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 25% of 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 138,662 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Caddy owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1990 Volkswagen Caddy Fuel Costs

The 1588cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Volkswagen Caddy?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Caddy Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Caddys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Volkswagen Caddy

At 36 years old, the Volkswagen Caddy is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 139k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1990 Volkswagen Caddy stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Caddy(1990)	74%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£83
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£83
Rover Mini(1991)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033-£295
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Caddy

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Caddy reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1990 Volkswagen Caddys ended in a pass, from 212 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Volkswagen Caddy cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Volkswagen Caddy?

74% of 212 MOT tests on the 1990 Volkswagen Caddy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 139th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom 25%).

Which year Volkswagen Caddy has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Volkswagen Caddy has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2001 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Volkswagen Caddy?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Volkswagen Caddy is 138,662 miles, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.