Volkswagen Caddy Maxi III 1.9 TDI (105 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.9 / 5

Volkswagen Caddy:

The Volkswagen Caddy is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by the German automaker Volkswagen Group since 1979. It is sold in Europe and in other markets around the world. The Volkswagen Caddy was first introduced in North America in 1979 and in Europe in 1982. The first and second generations also had pick-up variants.
The following vehicles are related to the Volkswagen Caddy and are also manufactured by the Volkswagen Group.
Released in 1979, the first Volkswagen Caddy is a coupe utility and van based on the Volkswagen Group A1 platform, shared with the small family car Volkswagen Golf Mk1....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Maxi III Overview:

Volkswagen Caddy (Maxi III). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1681 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.5 s). The top speed reaches 166 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.

1.9 TDI (105 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a good balance of power and torque for its size, providing decent acceleration and capable hauling for a utility vehicle.

Fuel Economy

Very good fuel economy for a vehicle of this type, making it an economical choice for mixed driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving, ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising, especially when carrying passengers or cargo.

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 56% Neutral: 33% Issues: 11%
rating
3.9 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 9 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
The JD power reviews and bullshit and bought out VW's are reliable. Their 2.0T engines are nearly bullet proof. Granted they have been having issues with their tiguans but overall great cars!
😐 NEUTRAL
A lot of people conflate cost of maintenance with reliability. The people bashing brands like VW, Audi, and BMW will turn around and praise Porsches for being reliable. Yes, Porsches are reliable, but maintenance costs are high. Being reliable means that the car won't break down on you unexpectedly. Unless you're buying a VW that is well known to fail (for example, 1st and 2nd gen EA888 engines),
👎 NEGATIVE
I’m at 105k miles and had to replace two emissions systems valves ($1800) and the 21’s have shit brakes. I’ve spent more money on brakes and rotors than anything. Almost never have to change them on a Yota or a Honda. Facts
👍 POSITIVE
Take care of the car and it'll take care of you for a long while.
👍 POSITIVE
Every 5,000 miles change the oil using the Volkswagen standard 502 synthetic, and you should have many years of hassle-free driving. I'm driving a 25-year-old Passat wagon with 190,000 mi on the clock. So I guess what I'm saying is they're reliable as long as you do the maintenance.
👍 POSITIVE
We have a 22 year old Golf with 200 k, got a new battery and egr valve, a 13 year old polo with a new battery and 75k. And an ID.3 with 20k and 4 years old.
😐 NEUTRAL
Reliable? Yes but not as good as they used to be (built wise). They used to be better but VW cut corners since Diesel gate.
👍 POSITIVE
They are reliable. I only have to top off my coolant reservoir in 4 months.
😐 NEUTRAL
Effectively every vehicle is reliable if you maintain it. And sometimes things break. On any vehicle.


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional cargo and passenger space for its class
  • • Wide range of efficient and robust engine options (TDI, CNG)
  • • Practical and versatile interior layout
  • • Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
  • • Strong reputation for reliability and durability

Cons:

  • • Interior can feel basic and utilitarian compared to passenger cars
  • • Ride comfort is functional rather than luxurious
  • • Petrol engine (1.6i) is less fuel-efficient and can feel underpowered
  • • Some engines, particularly the CNG, have modest acceleration
  • • Older generation safety features compared to modern vehicles

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2006 - 2010).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Caddy
Generation:Maxi III
Modification (Engine):1.9 TDI (105 Hp)
Start of production:2007
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:7
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:105 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:55.4 Hp/l [470mm more]
Torque:250 Nm @ 1900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA188 / BJB More details about the engine EA188 / BJB
Engine displacement:1896
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector)
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:19:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.5 sec
Maximum speed:166 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.6 kg/Hp, 64 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 152.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1640-1722
Max. weight:2335
Max. roof load:164 kg
Max load:613-695
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:3950 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1315 kg
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%):1500 kg
Size:
Length:4875 mm mm [470mm more]
Width:1794 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1834 mm mm [1mm more]
Wheelbase:3002 mm mm [320mm more]
Width including mirrors:2062 mm
Front track:1537 mm
Rear (Back) track:1542 mm
Front overhang:880 mm
Rear overhang:993 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):173 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size205/55 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volkswagen Caddy!