Fuel economy in the diesels is acceptable for such a large vehicle and the 2.5 TDI models are capable of around 34mpg to 35mpg. Volkswagen Servicing isn’t the cheapest around and neither are parts. You may also find that not every Volkswagen dealer is able to service a Caravelle, which may involve you travelling further than you thought. Insurance is group 12 for the Startline special edition while the more popular SE 2.5 TDI 130 is group 14.

The 174bhp versions are group 15.

The Caravelle is a polluting model, not helped by its less than aerodynamic shape and heavy kerb weight. The 1.9 TDI model is the cleanest with CO2 emissions of 208g/km and average economy of 37mpg while the more popular 2.5 TDI 130 manual emits 219g/km of CO2 and averages 34mpg.

Proven Volkswagen mechanicals and electrics should be reliable for many years. The warranty is three years/100,000 miles (40,000 miles longer than the passenger car warranty) should anything serious go wrong in that time.