Volkswagen

Volkswagen Caravelle (2007)

666 real MOT outcomes analysed • 73.5% first-time pass rate

2007 Volkswagen Caravelle

CarHunch analysed 666 real MOT records for the 2007 Volkswagen Caravelle. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2007 Volkswagen Caravelle passes its MOT on first attempt only 73.5% of the time, significantly below the UK average of 80%, and nearly 43% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a serious concern for a van of this age and purpose. The diesel-only fleet shows no variation from the overall pass rate, meaning fuel type isn't the issue here.

At almost 107,000 miles on average, these Caravelles are run hard, and that's reflected in the 5.62 failures per vehicle and notably high 29.7 advisories per test, suggesting accumulated wear across multiple systems. Before buying one, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on braking systems, suspension, and engine condition—don't rely on MOT history alone to tell you it's safe.

The 2007 Volkswagen Caravelle has a below-average first-time pass rate (73.5% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
73.5%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
42.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
5.62
Over 20.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
100k
Middle half: 74k–128k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 29.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 666 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 666 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Other issues 82.3%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · …
Brake wear 56.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Tyre wear 52.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 34.5%
Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources · Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2007.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 666 Volkswagen Caravelle cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2007 Volkswagen Caravelle

Based on MOT data from 666 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 42.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (96%) 641 73.5% 5.63

Colour Breakdown

Based on 24,216 Volkswagen Caravelle vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 22.4%
5,419
White 16%
3,882
Silver 15.6%
3,785
Black 11.1%
2,686
Red 9.2%
2,230
Grey 9.1%
2,205
Green 7.9%
1,905
Beige 3.7%
888
Brown 2.1%
515
Purple 1.2%
290
Yellow 1.1%
265
Maroon 0.6%
146

Mileage Distribution

Most 2007 Volkswagen Caravelle vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

99,979
typical
73,505
low mileage
128,493
high mileage

Half of all 2007 Volkswagen Caravelle vehicles fall between 73,505 and 128,493 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 73,505 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
73,505–128,493 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2007 Volkswagen Caravelles sit.
Over 173,465 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2007 Volkswagen Caravelle — Still on the Road

Most 2007 Volkswagen Caravelles are still being driven.

Strong survival — 548 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.

599 548 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

20.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
5.62
Avg failures per vehicle
29.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Volkswagen Caravelle: All Caravelle years → Which year to buy? →
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Buyer beware — pass it on