Used car guide

2005 Volkswagen Caravelle: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Volkswagen Caravelles, from 645 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

645MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
8,300typical miles a year
2.7×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Volkswagen Caravelles than on all cars registered in 2005.

  • Number plate lights2.7× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    22.5% All 2005 cars
    8.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.2% of all 2005 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.

  • Diesel smoke emissions8.4× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    6.7% All 2005 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 0.7% of all 2005 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.2× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    5.1% All 2005 cars
    1.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

By area

The share of 2005 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    51% 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
    45% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    44% 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.

  • Tyres
    25% 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
    16% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    13% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021528Tyres 26%
2020694Tyres 22%
2019823Tyres 23%
2018667Tyres 26%
2017971Tyres 26%
20161,016Suspension 28%
2015716Suspension 32%
2014622Suspension 27%
2013700Suspension 33%
2012812Suspension 33%
2011659Suspension 37%
2010598Suspension 41%
2008545Suspension 46%
2007564Suspension 45%
2006564Suspension 47%
2003546Suspension 48%
2002684Brakes 47%
2001627Brakes 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Volkswagen Caravelles registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score