How much does a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has a 70% MOT pass rate based on 1,438 tests in 2026. This ranks 260 out of 340 cars from 1998.

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%.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

The average mileage for a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is 189,576 miles, which is in line with the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (1998)

Q: Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,438 tests. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,438 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2459cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel2459cc28 years old1,438 tests190k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2459cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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 28 years old, 70% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,438 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 189,576 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars260th of 340(top 76%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models1010th of 1,118(top 90%)

vs national average-12%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average-5%(75% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average-15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

189,576

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 189,576 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 1998 sits between the two at 70%.

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 TRANSPORTER

1999 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,050/year

70%

same

LAND ROVER DEFENDER

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,050/year

76%

+6%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

1999 · 2487cc Diesel

£2,050/year

75%

+5%

FORD TRANSIT

1998 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,050/year

72%

+2%

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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 2026, 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 28 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 £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 28 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE'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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 190k 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 1998 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(1998)	70%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1999)	70%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DEFENDER(1997)	76%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(1999)	75%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
FORD TRANSIT(1998)	72%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145

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.