When space is the VW Caddy hard to beat, the TÜV inspectors, however, have more often suspend the high roof combination something. But above all, this is also a typical segment problem.
The VW Caddy is a true Methuselah, because already since the end of 2003 the space giant on an unchanged platform at Wolfsburg carmaker in the program. Thanks to its long construction time, used copies can be found on the relevant online vehicle exchanges in large numbers of all ages and with every imaginable mileage. If the latter is particularly high, the chances of problems increase significantly. That suggests at least his rather moderate performance in the TÜV report.
Body and interior: The Caddy is in particular asked whether its pronounced transport talent. The box variants offer up to 3,7 cubic meters of storage space and 741 kilogram payload. An 70 centimeter wide sliding door on the passenger side makes room for large packages, lashing eyes secure the load, a wall separates the cab. Alternatively, the Caddy is also available as a continuously open passenger car with up to seven seats and a large trunk, which is popular with families as a cheap and spacious alternative to the van. Huge and even an alternative to large-capacity vans such as a T6 is the stretched by almost half a meter long version "Maxi".
Engines and Suspension: In his 15-year-long career, the Caddy had two facelifts as well as a variety of engines. Around 70 percent of used cars have a diesel in the bow. Up to the model maintenance 2010 these were neither particularly sparkling, nor particularly economical. The 2.0 SDI naturally aspirated diesel with 51 kW / 69 PS only manages just over 140 km / h and needs 20 seconds for the 100 km / h sprint with 6,5 liters consumption. Between 2008 and 2010 was only a bearish two-liter diesel with 103 kW / 140 PS available. Starting from model year 2011 until the summer 2015 the cheating software aggregates 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI were used in various power levels between 55 kW / 75 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS, partly in combination with all-wheel drive and attractive DSG gearbox. Only from model year 2016 relatively clean, efficient and between 55 kW / 75 PS to 110 kW / 150 PS strong diesel with only two liters of displacement are available. Only these newer diesels meet Euro 6 or 6d Temp.
Over the long construction period, the Caddy was also offered with 1,0 to 2,0 liter gasoline engines with a performance range from 55 kW / 75 PS to 96 kW / 131 PS. Probably the best compromise between brisk driving and low fuel consumption is the 2015 TSI 1.0 TSI with 75 kW / 102 PS built since mid-2011. A likewise recommendable petrol engine is the 1.2 TSI with 77 kW / 105 PS, which is available from model year 2015. As a fundamentally interesting alternative to fuel-efficient diesel, CNG and LPG gas variants are also recommended. Since the 1.4er model update, the XNUMX TGI has unquestionably used the best natural gas engine. But no matter which gas variant seems attractive: All three have rarity value.
As the quite modest level of performance suggests: too fast you will not be traveling with a caddy. That's a good thing, because the chassis with rigid axle and leaf springs in the back has been optimized for payload rather than dynamics. Compared to family vans with independent suspension, the handling of the Caddy is rather spongy.
Safety and features: ESP is only as standard since the facelift 2010, so be careful with older models. In the van, the passenger airbag is subject to additional charge, for the station wagon it is inclusive. The EuroNCAP crash test completed the Caddy 2007 with four out of five stars. Since the high-roof estate comes from the commercial vehicle sector, as well as any comfort equipment is extra charge, accordingly, there are many barren caddies on the market. If you are satisfied with basic comfort, such as power windows, air conditioning and CD radio, but will quickly find. Relatively often find copies with the still upgradeable equipment Trendline. If you want more, you should look for the Comfortline or special models like Cup or Family.
Quality: As usual with commercial vehicles, caddies are often used intensively as a company car, whereas care is rather neglected. In view of the average mileage on average, the high-roof combos in the main investigations show comparatively high defect rates. In addition to the statistically mixed and slightly distorted trimming, the Caddy can also be said to have some tangible problem areas. These include more recent oil losses in the engines, defective lighting systems and advanced wear on the leaf springs and bumpers of the rear axle or the brake discs. In middle age, heaped rusty exhaust systems, broken cuffs of the drive shafts or striking flashers are added. Probably because of the often high load also clutches and transmissions suffer more than other VW models with comparable drives. Rusty tailgates or wear on the sliding door rollers and window seals are also considered as typical Caddy diseases.
And finally ... One should not be confused by the moderate performance of the Caddy at the TÜV Report: The increased defect rates are also due to the higher average mileage. The range of caddies in all price regions is huge anyway. Mature specimens with ample mileage on the clock and moderately attractive engines are often offered for small four-digit sums. The supposed bargain could, however, require his new owner an increased care expenses. In the end, younger vehicles with moderate mileage may be the better choice financially. If you are looking for a still fresh Caddy from model year 2016 with modernized look and the clearly better engines, you can choose between several thousand offers. Van models with moderate mileage are already offered at high four-digit sums, in the five- and seven-seater van variants for the family, the prices are still on a five-digit level.