1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  31.7% All 1994 cars

  17.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  25.3% All 1994 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.8% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover4.6× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  14.3% All 1994 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Tread depth2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  18.2% All 1994 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.8% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Steering rack inner joints4.9× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  12.7% All 1994 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  45% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  34% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 1994 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?