Volkswagen Crafter (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 166 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2459cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2459cc20 years old166 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/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

80% 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. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

80% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Crafters from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 166 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,976 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models162nd of 554(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models763rd of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+7%(73% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,976

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Volkswagen Crafter had 129,976 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2006 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Crafter by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	415	33,169 mi
2020	87%	350	46,294 mi
2019	87%	852	62,455 mi
2018	86%	756	85,975 mi
2017	84%	573	90,892 mi
2016	82%	822	102,881 mi
2015	81%	1,296	115,096 mi
2014	78%	1,446	121,458 mi
2013	75%	1,165	123,031 mi
2012	76%	1,220	134,023 mi
2011	78%	648	143,159 mi
2010	73%	913	148,530 mi
2009	76%	564	144,687 mi
2008	73%	1,001	159,722 mi
2007	75%	1,008	150,998 mi
2006	80%	166	129,976 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

2007 · 2370cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

-5%

Ford Transit

2008 · 2402cc Diesel

£2,841/year

69%

-11%

Vauxhall Vivaro

2007 · 1998cc Diesel

£2,427/year

68%

-12%

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About the 2006 Volkswagen Crafter

The 2006 Volkswagen Crafter is a van. Our records list a 2459cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 166 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 129,976 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Crafter owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 Volkswagen Crafter 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 2006 Volkswagen Crafter?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Crafter Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Crafters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 Volkswagen Crafter

At 20 years old, the Volkswagen Crafter 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

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 130k 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 2006 Volkswagen Crafter 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 Crafter(2006)	80%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,491
Volkswagen Transporter(2007)	75%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641+£150
Ford Transit(2008)	69%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,841+£350
Vauxhall Vivaro(2007)	68%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427-£64

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 2006 Volkswagen Crafter

Is the 2006 Volkswagen Crafter reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2006 Volkswagen Crafters ended in a pass, from 166 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Volkswagen Crafter cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2006 Volkswagen Crafter?

80% of 166 MOT tests on the 2006 Volkswagen Crafter ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 162nd of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top half).

Which year Volkswagen Crafter has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Volkswagen Crafter has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2010 the lowest at 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Volkswagen Crafter?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Volkswagen Crafter is 129,976 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.