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VOLKSWAGEN CADDY (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 573 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1896cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1896cc23 years old573 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1896cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1896cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£1,857
Per month£155/mo
Per week£36/wk

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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 23 years old, 70% of VOLKSWAGEN CADDYs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 573 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,939 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars298th of 445(top 67%)
Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models1016th of 1,118(top 91%)
vs national average-12%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average-2%(72% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

142,939

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY has 142,939 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2003 sits between the two at 70%.

VOLKSWAGEN CADDY by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202189%1,93127,508 mi
202088%13,20253,906 mi
201987%18,57363,050 mi
201887%19,10675,449 mi
201784%21,34481,861 mi
201682%24,55093,514 mi
201581%22,65999,855 mi
201480%23,277114,550 mi
201380%24,686120,918 mi
201279%19,331136,051 mi
201178%25,166135,711 mi
201075%17,547147,995 mi
200976%13,027149,844 mi
200877%11,139161,130 mi
200775%9,178159,205 mi
200675%6,102164,468 mi
200574%4,454166,551 mi
200474%2,512172,117 mi
200370%573142,939 mi
200272%501144,373 mi
200164%291134,932 mi
200069%372120,625 mi
199972%484117,159 mi
199867%210110,923 mi
199772%90121,741 mi
199280%18194,923 mi
199175%166125,877 mi
199074%212138,662 mi

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About the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY

The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 573 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 142,939 miles at 23 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CADDY owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY

At 23 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 143k 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN CADDY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLKSWAGEN CADDY(2003)70%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1857
FORD FIESTA(2005)70%£905£30Grp 8-20£1490-£367
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2005)72%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2005)68%£905£30Grp 8-20£1690-£167
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2005)69%£905£135Grp 12-25£1795-£62

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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