1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  28.3% All 1995 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2% of all 1995 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.

• Steering rack inner joints5× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  14.1% All 1995 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1995 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  16.9% All 1995 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 3.9% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint dust cover3.2× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  11.3% All 1995 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.1% of all 1995 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  12.2% All 1995 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.6% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  48% 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.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% 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
  28% 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.

• 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.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1995 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?