Used car guide

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Volkswagen Caravelles, from 375 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 375 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

375MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 67%)
6,200typical miles a year
2.9×the usual rate for body structure rust or damage

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1997 Volkswagen Caravelles than on all cars registered in 1997.

  • Body structure rust or damage2.9× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    15.7% All 1997 cars
    5.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, 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.

  • Steering rack inner joints3.6× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    9.6% 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    10.9% All 1997 cars
    4.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.8% 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.

  • Number plate lights2.2× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    10.4% All 1997 cars
    4.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, 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.

  • Washers2.6× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    8.3% All 1997 cars
    3.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 3.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

By area

The share of 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle 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
    39% 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
    30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Rust and bodywork
    27% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    23% 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.

  • Tyres
    22% 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.

Looking at a Volkswagen Caravelle?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022178Tyres 23%
2021528Tyres 26%
2020694Tyres 22%
2019823Tyres 23%
2018667Tyres 26%
2017971Tyres 26%
20161,016Tyres 28%
2015716Suspension 32%
2014622Tyres 27%
2013700Suspension 33%
2012812Suspension 33%
2011659Suspension 37%
2010598Suspension 41%
2009401Suspension 48%
2008545Suspension 46%
2007564Suspension 45%
2006564Suspension 47%
2005645Suspension 51%
2004479Suspension 55%
2003546Brakes 48%
2002684Brakes 47%
2001627Brakes 46%
2000498Brakes 47%
1999396Brakes 48%
1998368Suspension 46%
1996260Brakes 48%
1995300Brakes 45%
1994197Suspension 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Volkswagen Caravelles registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score