1998 Volkswagen Caravelle · 1,634 MOT tests
1998 Volkswagen Caravelle reliability
1998 Volkswagen Caravelles fail 46.1% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 23 Caravelle years (1,634 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Caravelles: 33.5%)
- 46.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Caravelles: 33.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 184,168
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,634
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 9.7% of tests fail here (33% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 8% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.4%
- Brakes17.1%
- Body, chassis and structure16.9%
- Suspension15.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.1%
- Steering8.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.32%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Horn not working 4.59%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.92%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 3.55%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.12%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 3.06%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.63%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.63%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (11.08%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.73%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.49%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (6.73%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Caravelle year
The full picture: Volkswagen Caravelle reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Caravelle, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable?
1998 Volkswagen Caravelles fail 46.1% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 23 Caravelle years (1,634 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.32% of tests), horn not working (4.59% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.92% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle shows 184,168 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.