Volkswagen Motor Caravan (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 35 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,306

£192/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2459cc Diesel

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,306/year to run. 9 points above 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.

Diesel2459cc28 years old35 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,306

Per month£192/mo

Per week£44/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

91% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Motor Caravans from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 35 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,564 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 1998 models29th of 325(top 9%)

Rank among Volkswagen models422nd of 1,086(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+16%(75% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+6%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,564

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan had 93,564 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1999 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

70%

-21%

Ford Transit

1998 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

-19%

Fiat Ducato

2000 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

73%

-18%

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 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

The 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan is a motorhome. Our records list a 2459cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 35 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 93,564 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,676 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 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,306 (£192/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 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.

Buying a Used 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

At 28 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. Note: with only 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 94k 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.

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 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan 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 Motor Caravan(1998)	91%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,306
Volkswagen Transporter(1999)	70%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£300
Ford Transit(1998)	72%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£300
Fiat Ducato(2000)	73%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606+£300

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 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravans ended in a pass, from 35 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,306 a year (£192 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

91% of 35 MOT tests on the 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 29th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 9%).

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volkswagen Motor Caravan is 93,564 miles, 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.