2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Steering rack inner joints3.6× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  13.5% All 2001 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  14.2% All 2001 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  12.4% All 2001 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2% of all 2001 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.

• Steering rack3.8× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  7.5% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.1% of all 2001 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.

• Body structure rust or damage1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  7.2% All 2001 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2001 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 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  46% 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.

• 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
  28% 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
  27% 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.

• Steering
  19% 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 2001 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?