VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE MPV REVIEW

My car

We have owned this Caravelle from new (2006). Overall it has been the best vehicle for our family of 6, that we could have hoped for. Fuel consumption is in the low 30's, space and flexibility is fantastic. The driving experience is superb. We have had a few bits of trim come detatched, and the indicator arm doesn't reset itself, but apart from that the reliability has been excellent. We did swap the radio for one that takes an ipod, and we're just installing an inverter for laptops while on holiday in France.

I was surprised to see all the negative comments about this vehicle. Maybe we were lucky, but we haven't had any faults to speak of. Many of our friends have been very impressed with our Caravelle, especially on long distance runs.

It was a bit pricey to purchase, but we have had tremendous value out of it. I would definitely buy another, although I reckon this ones got at least another five years left in it. We're up to 60,000 now.

Highly recommended!

My car

We have now had this caravelle for 15 months. In this time we have had over 40 different faults. All to do with the interior and doors. Items ranging from squeeky seats, sliding doors dropping causing paint work damage. When we picked the van up there was 20 items on the list for repair and then 9 massive paint blemished (do not buy the black metallic pearl). The two windows in the sliding doors leaked and have been replaced. And they still cannot get the sun roof to work. Plus many many more. Most of the time the van goes back in because the mechanics break all the panelling. But fortunalty for us the manager has agreed and buy back, and we get out new face lifted van this week. Surly all there vans cannot be this back - or maybe they can, we will find out. Just remember your rights to reject the vechile.

My car

Having made the biggest mistake of my life by buying this car, I would like to warn others that they should steer clear of buying a Volkswagen, especially this one. I had to replace the entire engine after less than 1000 km. This work was carried out at an official Volkswagen dealer. The work took 3 weeks to complete, cost over 6000 Euros and no substitute car was offered, even though we repeatedly asked for one. No sooner had the work on the engine been completed then a series of other faults continued to plague us - fuel pump, starter motor, alternator etc... Barely a month goes by without the car having to go back to the garage for some work. Thankfully we have found a reliable independent garage locally who charge a reasonable hourly rate, unlike Volkswagen that charge in excess of 100 Euros per hour, just to lift up the bonnet - are they trained brain surgeons working on the side as mechanics? After many breakdowns on overseas journeys I have contacted Volkswagen Germany to express my anger at the quality of the 'work' performed by their grossly overpaid mechanics and they JUST DON'T CARE. Never buy a Volkswagen if you want a trouble free, breakdown free, enjoyable life.

My car

Caravelle 2.5 174. 2005 Model. Having owned this car from new and covered 110,000 miles I would consider myself to be in an excellent position to comment on this car. From day 1 it has been plagued with problems! Choose from the following warranty work list: Air con regas 4 times, new water pump, new sat nav unit, replacement gearbox, replacement turbo (left the garage and within an hour had to return), replacement battery, replacement blower motor, exterior boot trim peeling away. Then 2 months after the warranty ran out, both rear shocks had to be replaced but the icing on the cake was a blown head gasket!! This car never missed a service. Would I buy another one? Hell would have to freeze over first, with the combination of vehicle problems/dealer problems and no help whatsoever from VW customer care, take my advice and go to a proper car company (Mercedes). That's where I'm off to as soon as I get mine back. Steer well clear!!