VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2460cc Diesel
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 11 points below average.
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.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2460cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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 23 years old, 71% of VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,102 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?
Mileage Analysis
92,102
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN has 92,102 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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.
Best Year to Buy?
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%.
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
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 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 2026, 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 23 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 £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 23 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 92k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN(2003) | 71% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£145 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2005) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2005) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2050-£145 |
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.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2015 · 1198cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2005 · 2926cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2005 · 2204cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
2005 · 2460cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Volkswagen Motor caravan.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data