VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 198 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
198
Avg Mileage
152,768 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE reliable?
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 34 years old, 71% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 198 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 152,768 miles.
How does the 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 152,768 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?
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%.
How much does a 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 34 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 £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 34 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%.
Alternatives to the 1990 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+9%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+13%) from 3,316 tests
- MERCEDES 190 E (1992) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 1,492 tests
- VOLVO 900 SERIES (1992) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 940 tests