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VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER (2006)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 166 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,045

£170/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2459cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2459cc20 years old166 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2459cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,045
Per month£170/mo
Per week£39/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

80% 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 20 years old, 80% of VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTERs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 166 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,976 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars170th of 575(top 30%)
Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models772th of 1,118(top 69%)
vs national average-2%(82% avg)
vs 2006 cars average+7%(73% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,976

Average miles

vs

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER has 129,976 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2006 sits between the two at 80%.

VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202192%41533,169 mi
202087%35046,294 mi
201987%85262,455 mi
201886%75685,975 mi
201784%57390,892 mi
201682%822102,881 mi
201581%1,296115,096 mi
201478%1,446121,458 mi
201375%1,165123,031 mi
201276%1,220134,023 mi
201178%648143,159 mi
201073%913148,530 mi
200976%564144,687 mi
200873%1,001159,722 mi
200775%1,008150,998 mi
200680%166129,976 mi

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About the 2006 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER

The 2006 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER is a large car with a 2459cc diesel engine. 166 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 129,976 miles at 20 years old, 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 £1,245 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 2006 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2006 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER'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.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER(2006)80%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2045
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£5
AUDI A4(2008)78%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£318
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007)75%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£5

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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