How much does a 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

The 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 198 tests in 2026. This ranks 158 out of 190 cars from 1990.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is most reliable?

The 2019 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 1994 at 63%.

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (1990)

Q: Is the 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 198 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

The average mileage for a 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is 152,768 miles, which is below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 198 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2109cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol2109cc36 years old198 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2109cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2109cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,577

Per month£215/mo

Per week£50/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 36 years old, 71% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 198 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 152,768 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 cars158th of 190(top 83%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models994th of 1,118(top 89%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 1990 cars average-8%(79% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

152,768

Average miles

266,400

Expected for age

The average 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 152,768 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-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 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1990 sits between the two at 71%.

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	86%	63	28,714 mi
2020	88%	355	35,274 mi
2019	88%	1,343	45,103 mi
2018	85%	1,384	54,248 mi
2017	86%	1,742	72,727 mi
2016	84%	2,082	78,636 mi
2015	80%	1,450	91,012 mi
2014	81%	1,242	85,066 mi
2013	82%	1,414	92,484 mi
2012	82%	1,670	119,975 mi
2011	81%	1,238	114,341 mi
2010	78%	1,366	121,801 mi
2009	73%	848	121,913 mi
2008	74%	1,188	147,628 mi
2007	75%	1,290	150,161 mi
2006	73%	1,224	166,290 mi
2005	73%	1,381	171,325 mi
2004	72%	972	174,011 mi
2003	70%	1,163	194,795 mi
2002	73%	1,252	197,021 mi
2001	72%	1,144	194,846 mi
2000	72%	1,054	193,142 mi
1999	69%	1,275	203,966 mi
1998	70%	1,438	189,576 mi
1997	69%	1,361	174,949 mi
1996	64%	997	192,626 mi
1995	65%	748	190,097 mi
1994	63%	443	183,071 mi
1993	67%	168	159,178 mi
1992	68%	115	175,500 mi
1991	73%	145	149,049 mi
1990	71%	198	152,768 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+9%

BMW 3 SERIES

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£1,867/year

84%

+13%

MERCEDES 190 E

1992 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

+8%

VOLVO 900 SERIES

1992 · 1986cc Petrol

£2,017/year

70%

-1%

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About the 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE

The 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is a family car with a 2109cc petrol engine. 198 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 152,768 miles at 36 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE Fuel Costs

The 2109cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE Reliability Trend

Newer VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE

At 36 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 153k 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 CARAVELLE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE(1990)	71%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2577
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£710
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)	84%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£710
MERCEDES 190 E(1992)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£560
VOLVO 900 SERIES(1992)	70%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£560

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.