VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
35
Avg Mileage
93,564 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,750
Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 91% of VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,564 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN has 93,564 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 61%. The 1998 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN is a large car with a 2459cc diesel engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 93,564 miles at 26 years old, VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
At 26 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
The VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-21%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-15%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (-16%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-19%) from 3,080 tests