1997 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.8× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  17.2% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 16.9%, against 4.4% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Steering rack inner joints5.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  14.6% 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

  10.1% All 1997 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, 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 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol 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
  38% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  30% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Steering
  20% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?