1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Body structure rust or damage2.8× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  14.1% All 1997 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.6% of all 1997 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  11.4% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  15.3% All 1997 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 4.5% of all 1997 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.3× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  8.8% All 1997 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1997 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.

• Number plate lights2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  10.2% All 1997 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  31% 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
  26% 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
  26% 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
  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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 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 body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?