VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,438 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
1,438
Avg Mileage
189,576 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE reliable?
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 26 years old, 70% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,438 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 189,576 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 189,576 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 1998 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE
The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is a large car with a 2459cc diesel engine. 1,438 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 189,576 miles at 26 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE Fuel Costs
The 2459cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 CARAVELLE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE
At 26 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (same) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+6%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+5%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+2%) from 3,080 tests