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Volkswagen Caravelle (T5) Long 1.9 TDI (86 Hp)
Overall Rating
7.5 / 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)
(T5) Long Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle ((T5) Long). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). At around 2025 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 23.6 s). The top speed reaches 146 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.9 TDI (86 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Significantly underpowered, resulting in very slow acceleration, best for light loads and city driving.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy, but the lack of power might lead to working the engine harder, impacting real-world efficiency.
Best Use Case:
City / Light Duty
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 57%
Neutral: 14%
Issues: 29%
3.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 14 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.
👎 NEGATIVE
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
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 and cargo
- • Comfortable ride quality, especially on long journeys
- • Wide range of robust and efficient diesel engines available
- • Strong build quality and durable interior materials
- • Good resale value due to high demand
Cons:
- • Some lower-powered engines can feel underpowered when fully loaded
- • Higher fuel consumption on V6 petrol and 4MOTION variants
- • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging
- • Potential for higher maintenance costs, especially on older models
- • Basic safety features compared to modern vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4, facelift 1996) Long: 1996 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | (T5) Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.9 TDI (86 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 5-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 86 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 45.4 Hp/l [101mm more] |
| Torque: | 200 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA188 / AXC More details about the engine EA188 / AXC |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.3-9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5-6.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 7.5-7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 9.3-9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 6.5-6.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.5-7.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 23.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 23.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 146 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 22.2 kg/Hp, 45.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.5 kg/Nm, 105 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 22.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1905-2145 |
| Max. weight: | 3000 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 855-1095 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6700 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5290 mm mm [101mm more] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [64mm more] |
| Height: | 1959 mm mm [19mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3400 mm mm [80mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2242 mm |
| Front track: | 1628 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1628 mm |
| Front overhang: | 894 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.2 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 | Ventilated discs, 308x29.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16; 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
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