1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  26.9% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.4% of all 1999 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 joints3.9× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  13.2% All 1999 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 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 rack4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  8.3% All 1999 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.2% of all 1999 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.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  10.6% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  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 performance1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  13% All 1999 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.5% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 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
  43% 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.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  19% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 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 1.7× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?