VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 31 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
31
Avg Mileage
92,102 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 71% of VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,102 miles.
How does the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN has 92,102 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2003 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN is a large car with a 2460cc diesel engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 92,102 miles at 21 years old, VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN Fuel Costs
The 2460cc 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
At 21 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 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2005) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 24,924 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2005) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 24,685 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2005) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 20,813 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2005) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 17,079 tests