1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  27.4% All 1996 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2% of all 1996 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  18.1% All 1996 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 4.3% of all 1996 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 performance2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  17.2% All 1996 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 3.8% of all 1996 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.3× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  11.6% All 1996 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1996 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.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  11.1% All 1996 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.3% of all 1996 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.

Common 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  49% 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
  47% 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
  38% 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
  31% 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
  25% 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
  25% 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 1996 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 1.9× as often on the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?