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Volkswagen Caravelle (T4) Long 1.9 TD (68 Hp)
Overall Rating
8.1 / 10
Volkswagen Caravelle:
Volkswagen Caravelle is the nameplate of a van based on the Volkswagen Transporter. For information about the Caravelle, refer to the regular Transporter articles:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
(T4) Long Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle ((T4) Long). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9 l/100km). With a weight of 1665 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 132 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
1.9 TD (68 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The smallest diesel, offering very basic performance. The turbocharger provides a slight boost in torque compared to the naturally aspirated diesels, but it's still best suited for relaxed driving.
Fuel Economy
This engine is the most economical diesel option, making it a good choice for those prioritizing low running costs over performance.
Best Use Case:
City / Short-distance commuting, where fuel efficiency is paramount and high speeds are not required.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 54%
Neutral: 23%
Issues: 23%
3.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 13 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!
👍 POSITIVE
Yes. I had a 2013 Jetta S, put 160k on it with zero issues and nothing but basic maintenance and traded it in for a new Jetta.
😐 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
😐 NEUTRAL
I've owned 3 beetles (real ones) 3 jettas 2 audis. I try to only buy in the VWAG.
👍 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.
👎 NEGATIVE
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.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional interior space and versatility for passengers or cargo
- • Renowned for robust build quality and long-term reliability
- • Comfortable ride for a van of its era, especially on long journeys
- • Available Syncro AWD system offers excellent all-weather capability
- • Strong aftermarket support and parts availability
- • Timeless design and strong resale value for well-maintained examples
Cons:
- • Petrol engines can be very thirsty, especially the 2.5L automatic
- • Diesel engines (especially naturally aspirated) offer very limited performance
- • Lacks modern safety features and driver assistance systems
- • Prone to rust in older models, particularly around wheel arches and sills
- • Interior plastics can show wear and tear over time
- • Older automatic transmissions can be slow and less refined
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Long: 1990 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | (T4) Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.9 TD (68 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 6-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 68 Hp @ 3700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 35.9 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 140 Nm @ 2000-3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ABL More details about the engine ABL |
| Engine displacement: | 1896 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 132 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 24.5 kg/Hp, 40.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.9 kg/Nm, 84.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1665 |
| Max. weight: | 2565-2750 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 900-1085 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6300 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5055 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1940 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3320 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1589 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Front overhang: | 860 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 875 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 180 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/70 R15; 205/65 R15; 215/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
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