VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 45 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 2000cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 80% of VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVANs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 45 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,415 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
93,415
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN has 93,415 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.
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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 2005 sits between the two at 80%.
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
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About the 2005 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
The 2005 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 45 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 93,415 miles at 21 years old, VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2005 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 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 21 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 93k 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 2005 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(2005) | 80% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| MINI MINI(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2007) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£170 |
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.
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