Volkswagen Motor Caravan (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 69 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,078
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.52p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates 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 average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.
80% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Motor Caravans from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 69 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,962 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,962
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan had 68,962 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan
The 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan is a motorhome. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 69 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 68,962 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Motor Caravan owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan Fuel Costs
The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with diesel at 199.52p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 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 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 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.
Buying a Used 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan
At 14 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 69 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 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.
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.
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 2012 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(2012) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | n/a | £2,078 |
| Ford Transit(2014) | 77% | £1,678 | £410 | n/a | £2,643+£565 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 5 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 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravans ended in a pass, from 69 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?
80% of 69 MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 383rd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Volkswagen Motor Caravan is 68,962 miles, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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