Carsieve All versions
| Variant | Running cost per month | Median price | Listings | Fuel | Engine codes | Gearbox | Production years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 TDI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual Research | €415 | €4,200 | 208 | Diesel | BLS, CHW | Manual (5) | 2003–2010 |
| 1.9 TDI, 105 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research | €431 | €4,200 | 208 | Diesel | BLS | Manual (6) | 2008–2010 |
| Life 1.6, 102 PS, 5-speed manual Research | €465 | €4,900 | 111 | Petrol | BSE | Manual (5) | 2003–2010 |
| Life 1.4, 80 PS, 5-speed manual Research | €450 | €4,500 | 100 | Petrol | BUD | Manual (5) | 2006–2010 |
| 2.0 EcoFuel, 109 PS, 5-speed manual Research | €461 | €3,490 | 88 | Natural gas / Petrol | BSX | Manual (5) | 2006–2010 |
| 2.0 SDI, 69 PS, 5-speed manual Research | €423 | €3,400 | 68 | Diesel | BST | Manual (5) | 2003–2010 |
| 1.9 TDI, 105 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research | €446 | €6,490 | 55 | Diesel | BLS, CHW | Automatic (dual-clutch) (6) | 2005–2010 |
At a glance
- Years: 2003 to 2015, with a facelift in 2010. Van, Kombi, Maxi (from 2007) and 4MOTION (from 2008).
- Reliability: 3/5. ADAC breakdown rates are good overall, but the TÜV finds worn brakes, suspension and exhausts.
- DIY: 2/5. Clutch, suspension and rust repairs need a workshop.
- Biggest risk: a worn clutch, tired suspension and rust on older vans.
- Prefer: 2012 to 2014 cars. ADAC counts 12.8 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for 2014, against 24.8 for 2011.
- Avoid: 2011 cars, the worst year in the ADAC data.
Engines and gearboxes
- 1.9 TDI pump-injector (BSU, BLS): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
- 1.6 and 2.0 TDI common rail (CAY, CFH): see the EA189 TDI guide. Its EGR, DPF and injector faults apply here.
- 1.2 TSI (CBZ): see the EA111 TSI guide. The timing chain and oil use are covered there.
- Manual gearbox: the clutch wears faster under heavy loads. See Clutch wear.
- 6-speed DSG 02E (wet clutch): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
- 7-speed DSG DQ200 (dry clutch): see the DQ200 guide.
Known issues
| Issue | Affects | Typical km | Repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch wear | Manual gearbox, all engines | Not stated | ADAC: 910-1,130 EUR (Germany, 2017) |
| Springs, dampers and front suspension | All years, worse on high mileage | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Brakes and discs | All years | Not stated | ADAC: front 440-470 EUR, rear 330-390 EUR (Germany, 2017) |
| Rust | Older vans; sills, rear axle area, front wings | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Oil leaks | All engines | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Rear lights | All years | Not stated | No confirmed price |
Before you buy
- Drive the van from cold and under load. A slipping clutch, judder or a heavy pedal means a new clutch. ADAC puts a new clutch at 910-1,130 EUR (Germany, 2017).
- Check the sills, wheel arches, tailgate and the area above the rear axle for rust. Bubbling paint or soft metal means bodywork.
- Push down on each corner and listen over bumps. Knocking, a bouncy ride or uneven tyre wear points to worn springs, dampers or wishbone bushes.
- Look at the brake discs through the wheels. Deep lips, cracks or heavy rust mean new discs and pads. ADAC puts a front brake job at 440-470 EUR (Germany, 2017).
- Park over a clean sheet and check the engine and gearbox for oil. Fresh drips or a low level mean seal work.
- Switch on every light and check the rear clusters and number-plate lamp. Dark bulbs or flicker mean contact or wiring work.
- Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, in particular the 23R7 software update on a 1.6 or 2.0 TDI common-rail diesel. Bad result: an open campaign.
Running costs
| Operational | €204 |
|---|---|
| Workshop | €103 |
| Fixed costs (tax, insurance) | €122 |
| Total per month | €429 |
| New-car depreciation (not included) | €45 |
ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months
Market
Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.
- Listings
- 849
- 25th percentile
- €2,990
- Median price
- €4,000
- 75th percentile
- €5,550
- Median mileage
- 220,000 km
- Median first registration
- 2008
- Dealer share
- 38.9%
- Price at 100,000 km
- €6,140
To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.
In detail
Clutch wear
The clutch wears faster in vans that tow or carry heavy loads. A slipping clutch, judder when pulling away or a heavy pedal are the signs. ADAC lists a brand-workshop clutch at 910-1,130 EUR (Germany, 2017).
Springs, dampers and front suspension
On older and high-mileage vans the springs, dampers and front wishbone bushes wear. Knocking over bumps, a bouncy ride and uneven tyre wear are the signs. The TÜV also finds torn drive-shaft boots. No repair price is confirmed.
Sources: Auto Bild, ADAC, CarWiki, Auto Zeitung
Brakes and discs
Brake discs wear early and can rust on vans that stand for long periods. The footbrake can feel weak or uneven. ADAC calls brakes a problem area in the TÜV report and links it to heavy loads and missed maintenance. ADAC lists front discs and pads at 440-470 EUR and rear at 330-390 EUR (Germany, 2017).
Sources: Auto Bild, ADAC, CarWiki, Auto Zeitung
Rust
Older Caddy 3 vans rust at the sill ends, above the rear axle, on the front wings and around the tailgate. Rust is serious on the oldest cars. No repair price is confirmed.
Sources: auto motor und sport, ADAC, CarWiki
Oil leaks
Oil loss is above average. Oil collects on the engine and gearbox, and the level drops between services. The TÜV also records oil-wet engines and gearboxes. No repair price is confirmed.
Sources: Auto Bild, ADAC, Auto Zeitung, CarWiki
Rear lights
Rear lights and the number-plate lamp are a weak point. Bulbs fail and the contacts can give trouble. The TÜV often records defective lighting. No repair price is confirmed.
Sources: Auto Bild, ADAC, CarWiki, Auto Zeitung
Recalls
| Country | Code | Years | What is done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (ADAC, 03/2014; also auto motor und sport, Auto Bild) | not given | From 2003 (ADAC); built 2003 to 2013 (auto motor und sport) | Two modified brackets on the tailgate gas struts, after 284,000 cars were called in because the ball joints could come loose. Free. |
| Germany (ADAC, 01/2016; also auto motor und sport, Auto Bild) | not given | Built May 2012 to January 2013 (ADAC and auto motor und sport) | Ground bolts torque checked on 20,800 manual cars; the ground connection could allow an unintended engine start. Free. |
| Germany (ADAC, 02/2017; also auto motor und sport) | not given | 2011-2012, natural gas (ADAC); 2005 to 2010 (auto motor und sport) | Gas tanks replaced with painted versions on 6,270 cars because of corrosion and a bursting risk. Free. |
| Germany (ADAC, 07/2017; also auto motor und sport) | not given | MY2009 (ADAC); 2008 to 2010 (auto motor und sport) | Software update with a self-test on 288,000 cars; the ABS control unit could overheat and disable ABS/ESP. Free. |
| Germany | 23R7 | EA189 common-rail diesels (CAY, CFH, CFJ), 2010-2015 | Software update from the diesel emissions case. In Germany a van without it risks being taken off the road. |
Maintenance
- Keep to the ADAC service intervals: 30,000 km or 24 months on the 1.9 TDI; 28,000 km or 24 months on the 1.6 and 2.0 TDI.
- Change the timing belt on time. ADAC lists a brand-workshop belt at 450-820 EUR (Germany, 2017).
- Check the oil level at every fill-up. Oil leaks are common and the level can fall between services.
- Check the brakes, tyres and all lights before the TÜV test. These are the most common failures.