Volkswagen Caravelle (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,275 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2459cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel2459cc27 years old1,275 tests204k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

69% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Caravelles from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 1,275 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 203,966 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models277th of 361(bottom 24%)

Rank among Volkswagen models1007th of 1,086(bottom 8%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-6%(75% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-16%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

203,966

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle had 203,966 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1999 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

+7%

Land Rover Discovery

2001 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+6%

Volvo V70

2001 · 2401cc Diesel

£2,641/year

71%

+2%

Mercedes C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£2,456/year

81%

+12%

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About the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle

The 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle is a large car. Our records list a 2459cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,275 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 24% of 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 203,966 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Caravelle owners drive about as much as the UK average.

1999 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Volkswagen Caravelle Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Caravelles pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle

At 27 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 204k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Caravelle(1999)	69%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,806
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Land Rover Discovery(2001)	75%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641-£165
Volvo V70(2001)	71%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641-£165
Mercedes C(1997)	81%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,456-£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1999 Volkswagen Caravelles ended in a pass, from 1,275 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle?

69% of 1,275 MOT tests on the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 277th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom 24%).

Which year Volkswagen Caravelle has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen Caravelle has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1994 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle is 203,966 miles, which is in line with the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.