CarCostCheck

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 972 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3189cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol3189cc22 years old972 tests174k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3189cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3189cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,907
Per month£242/mo
Per week£56/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 22 years old, 72% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 972 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 174,011 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars275th of 491(top 56%)
Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models969th of 1,118(top 87%)
vs national average-10%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average+0%(72% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-13%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

174,011

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 174,011 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2004 sits between the two at 72%.

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202186%6328,714 mi
202088%35535,274 mi
201988%1,34345,103 mi
201885%1,38454,248 mi
201786%1,74272,727 mi
201684%2,08278,636 mi
201580%1,45091,012 mi
201481%1,24285,066 mi
201382%1,41492,484 mi
201282%1,670119,975 mi
201181%1,238114,341 mi
201078%1,366121,801 mi
200973%848121,913 mi
200874%1,188147,628 mi
200775%1,290150,161 mi
200673%1,224166,290 mi
200573%1,381171,325 mi
200472%972174,011 mi
200370%1,163194,795 mi
200273%1,252197,021 mi
200172%1,144194,846 mi
200072%1,054193,142 mi
199969%1,275203,966 mi
199870%1,438189,576 mi
199769%1,361174,949 mi
199664%997192,626 mi
199565%748190,097 mi
199463%443183,071 mi
199367%168159,178 mi
199268%115175,500 mi
199173%145149,049 mi
199071%198152,768 mi

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About the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE

The 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is a performance with a 3189cc petrol engine. 972 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 174,011 miles at 22 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE Fuel Costs

The 3189cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE

At 22 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 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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 174k 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 2004 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE(2004)72%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2907
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2006)70%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
BMW X3(2006)78%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£510

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.

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