VW Caddy 3 (2003-2015): known problems and buying guide

Built
2010–2015
Median price
€7,500
Listings
1,484
Running cost per month
€410–€492
Power
75–140 PS (55–103 kW)
Reliability
3/5
DIY
2/5

A practical van with good ADAC breakdown figures. Check the clutch, suspension, brakes and rust before you buy.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
1.6 TDI, 102 PS, 5-speed manual Research€418€6,950473Diesel BSE, CAYManual (5)2010–2015
1.2 TSI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual Research€434€8,700166Petrol CBZManual (5)2010–2015
1.6 TDI, 102 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€433€10,450159Diesel CAYAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2010–2015
1.6 TDI, 75 PS, 5-speed manual Research€410€5,990147Diesel CAYManual (5)2010–2015
1.2 TSI, 86 PS, 5-speed manual Research€430€6,788101Petrol CBZManual (5)2010–2015
2.0 TDI, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research€440€9,48088Diesel CFHManual (6)2010–2015
2.0 TDI, 140 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research€451€12,80071Diesel CFHAutomatic (dual-clutch) (6)2010–2015
2.0 TDI, 140 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€492€12,80071Diesel CFHAutomatic (dual-clutch) (6)2010–2015
2.0 TDI, 140 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€456€12,80071Diesel CFHAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2010–2015
2.0 EcoFuel, 109 PS, 5-speed manual Research€450€6,99067Natural gas / Petrol BSXManual (5)2010–2015
2.0 TDI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research€467€7,75064Diesel CFHManual (6)2010–2015

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

  1. 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).
  2. Check the sills, wheel arches, tailgate and the area above the rear axle for rust. Bubbling paint or soft metal means bodywork.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. Park over a clean sheet and check the engine and gearbox for oil. Fresh drips or a low level mean seal work.
  6. Switch on every light and check the rear clusters and number-plate lamp. Dark bulbs or flicker mean contact or wiring work.
  7. 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€194
Workshop€113
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€133
Total per month€440
New-car depreciation (not included)€61

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.

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
1,484
25th percentile
€5,699
Median price
€7,500
75th percentile
€9,999
Median mileage
182,000 km
Median first registration
2013
Dealer share
56.3%
Price at 100,000 km
€10,932

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.

Full guide with details