Volkswagen Caravelle reviews

My Volkswagen Caravelle is an 8 seater, syncro (4x4) and has now done 175,000 miles. It is still a pleasure to drive and is a good as it was when it was new. Because it is four wheel drive it copes well with most winter conditions and being an 8 seater, it has a multiple number of uses in a number of various scenarios. It can carry the family, the dogs and any stuff that we need it to, including the kitchen sink if necessary. I had it serviced every year as per the manufacturers schedule by a Volkswagen Dealer. This has cost me more than going to a non-franchised garage, but because the VW Dealers technicians are trained by Volkswagen, they are highly skilled and know how to maintain and repair my 'bus'. I believe it is worth paying the higher labour charge for a properly training technician to ensure the vehicle is kept in perfect working order and this has definitely paid off in the long term as, after 19 years of ownership, it is still as good to drive and reliable as it was brand new.

The current model of Caravelle is the latest in VW's long line of "people carriers" which I have had the pleasure of owning or driving. The first was the "split" and which I drove with pleasure in my job in the 1960's. I've owned an example of each of the models since, and each one has surpassed the previous in reliability, comfort and economy. To my thinking they are the ultimate in useful vehicles. It's rather a pity that they seem to have become the sole privy of taxi firms, because for anyone with a load-carrying requirement, be it people or "kit" they are superb. Although the economy has suffered because those in authority chose to penalise the diesel owners, after years of promoting it as the "eco-fuel", my T reg still does over 35 mpg, providing I keep under 2K revs on the motorway. (Yes I stay in the nearside lane).

Since we brought this car 4 yrs ago, we have had to replace, engine management system, turbo, and the engine, water pump had ceased in plus much more . If it wasn't for the fact that this is the best car for our needs and a helpful family member to cover the cost we would have been completely financially crippled and left with out a car. Beware as this had only done 120,000 when it all went wrong.

I PURCHASED THIS BUS LAST YEAR IT HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE. OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE COVERED 10000 MILES WITH NO BREAK DOWNS AND HAVE DONE MY OWN MAINTENANCE WITH NO ISSUES . THE REPLACEMANT PARTS I HAVE PURCHASED HAVE BEEN GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY AND EASY TO FIND AND BUY . I INTEND TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE AS ITS PRACTICAL AND IDEAL FOR MY FAMILY

I have had this car since 1997 and have had it regularly serviced by my VW Dealer every year so I am confident that it has been properly maintained. Because of this, given that it has now covered nearly 175,000 miles, it is still as good, reliable and comfortable as it was when it was nearly new. It is a great vehicle and practical too because of the space inside.

I bought this vehicle for its ability to carry people and to be converted to a load carrier. The only problem in the conversion is the weight of the rear triple seat when trying to remove it.