Volkswagen Caravelle (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,384 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,002

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1968cc8 years old1,384 tests54k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

85% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Caravelles from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 1,384 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 54,248 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models504th of 607(bottom 18%)

Rank among Volkswagen models629th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average-4%(89% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+0%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

54,248

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle had 54,248 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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 2018 scores 85%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+6%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+4%

Volkswagen Polo

2018 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

84%

-1%

Audi A3

2016 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,644/year

90%

+5%

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About the 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle

The 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle is a family car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,384 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 18% of 2018 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 54,248 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Caravelle owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2018 Volkswagen Caravelle Fuel Costs

The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. 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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 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(2018)	85%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,002
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£328
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178
Volkswagen Polo(2018)	84%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178
Audi A3(2016)	90%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,644-£358

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 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2018 Volkswagen Caravelles ended in a pass, from 1,384 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle?

85% of 1,384 MOT tests on the 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 504th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom 18%).

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 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle is 54,248 miles, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.