Volkswagen Motor Caravan (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 114 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1900cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 14 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Volkswagen Motor Caravan

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1900cc36 years old114 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1900cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

68% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Motor Caravans from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 114 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,260 miles.

Got a Volkswagen Motor Caravan you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models164th of 182(bottom 11%)

Rank among Volkswagen models1027th of 1,086(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-11%(79% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-17%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,260

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan had 129,260 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Volkswagen Motor Caravan by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	88%	34	43,771 mi
2020	92%	50	57,418 mi
2018	75%	36	60,042 mi
2015	82%	62	75,152 mi
2014	89%	65	58,982 mi
2013	79%	67	84,526 mi
2012	80%	69	68,962 mi
2011	83%	53	110,522 mi
2010	91%	75	66,457 mi
2009	61%	57	76,161 mi
2008	70%	50	99,261 mi
2007	76%	70	87,633 mi
2006	69%	49	94,388 mi
2005	80%	45	93,415 mi
2004	59%	39	122,764 mi
2003	71%	31	92,102 mi
1998	91%	35	93,564 mi
1994	65%	31	145,391 mi
1992	66%	32	155,045 mi
1991	66%	94	129,598 mi
1990	68%	114	129,260 mi

Check a Specific Volkswagen Motor Caravan

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

The 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan is a motorhome. Our records list a 1900cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 114 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 11% of 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 129,260 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Motor Caravan owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan Fuel Costs

The 1900cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Buying a Used 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

At 36 years old, the Volkswagen Motor Caravan 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 129k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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.

Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravans ended in a pass, from 114 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

68% of 114 MOT tests on the 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 164th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom 11%).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Volkswagen Motor Caravan is 129,260 miles, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.