VOLKSWAGEN CADDY (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 210 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1896cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1896cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 28 years old, 67% of VOLKSWAGEN CADDYs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 210 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,923 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,923
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY has 110,923 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1998 sits between the two at 67%.
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
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About the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY
The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 210 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 88% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 110,923 miles at 28 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CADDY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY Fuel Costs
The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN CADDY Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN CADDYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY
At 28 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
Based on the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 111k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN CADDY(1998) | 67% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2000) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| FIAT DUCATO(1999) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| FORD FIESTA(1998) | 65% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1927-£130 |
| MERCEDES C(1997) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £1900-£157 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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