Volkswagen Caravelle (03 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 19 January 2012
The Caravelle has built up a good reputation as a well built and classy people carrier - although it's usually associated with private hire firm and hotels rather than family transport. But with acres of passenger room and almost endless on board stowage, it's the perfect car for long distance family transport with seven comfortable seats as standard. The interior is also very flexible with runners in the floor allowing the seats - and the standard fold-out table - to be positioned anywhere. There are criticisms though, not least the firm and bouncy ride, while the dashboard is starting to look distinctly old fashioned.
3.5 out of 5

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Buying new

Unlike the previous Caravelle, this model is part of Volkswagen's passenger car range, rather than its commercial vehicle line-up. As a result, it's sold in selected car showrooms as well as Volkswagen Van Centres, so it's worth finding out if your local Volkswagen dealer actually stocks it. New prices aren't cheap, starting at around £30,000, but it is well built and few traditional people carriers can match the space it offers. You should still aim for a discount, or alternatively try and get some optional extras included for free.

3 out of 5

Buying used

The Caravelle isn't a common site on the used market and they hold their value fairly well. Avoid the 1.9 TDI and aim for an automatic 2.5 TDI for the best combination of performance and relaxed driving. Volkswagen dealers are a good place to source well cared for examples. Be wary of those that have been used by private hire firms as the interiors will have suffered plenty of wear.

  • Boot/Load Space Volkswagen Caravelle (03 on)
  • Interior Volkswagen Caravelle (03 on)

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See 10 used Volkswagen Caravelles for sale, starting at £16,995

3 out of 5

Selling

The Caravelle isn't the most obvious of choices for family buyers used to standard people carriers and its sheer size and van-like looks might put some off. However, Volkswagen's excellent reputation for reliability and string TDI engines will help it sell. It's unlikely to shift especially quickly though.