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VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (2011)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,238 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,707

£142/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1986cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1986cc15 years old1,238 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1986cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1986cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,707
Per month£142/mo
Per week£33/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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 15 years old, 81% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,238 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,341 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 cars297th of 615(top 48%)
Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models738th of 1,118(top 66%)
vs national average-1%(82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average+4%(77% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-4%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,341

Average miles

vs

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 114,341 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2011 sits between the two at 81%.

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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE

The 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is a family car with a 1986cc diesel engine. 1,238 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 114,341 miles at 15 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE Fuel Costs

The 1986cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE

At 15 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 2011 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.

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 114k 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.

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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE(2011)81%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1707
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2013)85%£905£135Grp 12-25£1445-£262
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)79%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727+£20
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)74%£905£135Grp 12-25£1595-£112
BMW 3 SERIES(2013)85%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1577-£130

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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