Volkswagen Caddy (2001)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 291 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1896cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
64% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 18 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
64% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Caddys from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 291 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 134,932 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
134,932
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2001 Volkswagen Caddy had 134,932 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. 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
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About the 2001 Volkswagen Caddy
The 2001 Volkswagen Caddy is a family car. Our records list a 1896cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 291 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 10% of 2001 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 134,932 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Caddy owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2001 Volkswagen Caddy?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2001 Volkswagen Caddy
At 25 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.
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.
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 135k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 64% 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 2001 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(2001) | 64% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,427 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2003) | 73% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227-£200 |
| Ford Fiesta(2002) | 70% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 8-20 | £1,944-£483 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2003) | 72% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227-£200 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2002) | 68% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 8-20 | £2,144-£283 |
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 2001 Volkswagen Caddy
Is the 2001 Volkswagen Caddy reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 64% of MOT tests on 2001 Volkswagen Caddys ended in a pass, from 291 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2001 Volkswagen Caddy cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Volkswagen Caddy?
64% of 291 MOT tests on the 2001 Volkswagen Caddy ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 319th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (bottom 10%).
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 2001 Volkswagen Caddy?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Volkswagen Caddy is 134,932 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2015 · 1198cc Petrol
Volkswagen Tiguan
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
Volkswagen Golf
2003 · 1896cc Diesel
Ford Fiesta
2002 · 1399cc Diesel
Vauxhall Astra
2003 · 1700cc Diesel
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