VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,670 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1986cc Diesel
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1986cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 82% of VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,670 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,975 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
119,975
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE has 119,975 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2012 sits between the two at 82%.
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
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About the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE is a family car with a 1986cc diesel engine. 1,670 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 119,975 miles at 14 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 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 2012 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 82% 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 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE
At 14 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 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 120k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2012 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(2012) | 82% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| AUDI A3(2014) | 86% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£112 |
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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