Used Volkswagen Caddy for sale: everything you need to know
The Volkswagen Caddy - get the reference? From a company that also sells a car called the Golf it should make more sense, and like its namesake on the green, the Caddy is all about being useful. This van-based MPV packs plenty of space and comes in five-seat, seven-seat, and larger Caddy Maxi options, but drives much like the brand’s cars.
You won’t find a car-like equipment list unless you go for the higher Caddy Life specification, but utility is the main goal here. The engines are frugal, the interior full of useful cubby holes, and the boot is huge. The Caddy isn’t particularly cheap to buy new, but pick up a used example and you can save thousands - read on to find out more about the Caddy below.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Caddy?
It’s pretty easy to make a case for the Volkswagen Caddy - not least because traditional MPVs or people-carriers have been dying off for several years now, leaving van-based models like this the only real option if you need maximum space and utility from your car. Van-based doesn’t have to mean rattly and uncomfortable though, and the Caddy is the perfect example of doing things the right way.
For a start, it’s pretty car-like to drive, sharing much of its underpinnings with cars like the Golf. Equipment levels aren’t quite as high as a Polo or Golf even in the upper Caddy Life trim level, but there’s enough kit to keep a family happy, and you’ll be too busy marvelling at the size of the boot, the passenger space, and all the overhead cubbies to worry too much about missing a few toys.
The handling is neat and tidy and it rides well too, while the lineup of petrol and diesel engines offers a good mix of frugality and performance - what they lack in outright power, they make up in easy-going torque, plus smooth manual and automatic gearbox options.
The Caddy competes with cars like the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, and Ford Tourneo Courier and Tourneo Connect - the latter of which is effectively a rebadged VW Caddy in its latest incarnation. All offer the same kind of utility and space, so picking your favourite will come down more to features, styling and price than usefulness.
What’s the best used Volkswagen Caddy model to buy?
If you’re used to the level of equipment now found in even fairly basic superminis, the Caddy’s pared-back, van-based equipment list might look a little mean. For this reason we’d aim our sights at a Caddy Life, which adds the kind of kit you’d expect from conventional cars, such as alloy wheels, parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. There are no bad engine options - go diesel if you want maximum economy, petrol if you want a smoother experience - while choosing the seven-seat option or larger Caddy Maxi comes down to your own space and utility requirements.
Used Volkswagen Caddy fuel economy and performance
- Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 TDI 102: A headline figure of 102PS for the most affordable Caddy may not sound much, but with a 2-litre turbodiesel it still pulls well, better than a 13.5-second 0-62mph time sounds. It’s six-speed manual only, and claimed economy is up to 58.9mpg.
- Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 TDI 122: With the same 2-litre but 122PS and a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, 0-62mph drops to 11.4 seconds but economy doesn’t change too much.
- Volkswagen Caddy 1.5 TSI 114: In petrol form you get a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, with 114PS. In Caddy form it’s manual only, and auto in the Caddy Maxi - the former can get from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds, and average 43.5mpg.
What used Volkswagen Caddy trim levels are available?
Rather than the expansive model lineup you’ll find with VW’s cars, the Caddy range is split into just a pair of models, though either can be specified in regular Caddy form or the larger Caddy Maxi.
- The Volkswagen Caddy gets what you might call a functional level of standard kit, plus a five-seat layout. Seven seats are an option, as is the Caddy Maxi body which has seven seats as standard.
- The Volkswagen Caddy Life feels a little more car-like than the regular Caddy, with smarter exterior styling and more interior features, including an infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.
Used Volkswagen Caddy dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen Caddy’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4601mm (Maxi: 4954mm)
- Width: 1855mm
- Height: 1832mm
- Ground clearance: 144mm
The Volkswagen Caddy’s boot size is:
- 191 litres behind third row (Maxi: 446 litres)
- 1213 litres behind second row (Maxi: 1720 litres)
- 2556 litres with rear seats folded (Maxi: 3105 litres)
Used Volkswagen Caddy road tax
As a car rather than a commercial vehicle you’ll pay car VED rates for the Caddy, which means a fixed rate of £190 per year as of 2024/2025.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Caddy?
You may not pay much more to insure a Caddy than you might a Golf, since the range starts in only insurance group 8 for a 1.5 TSI in regular Caddy trim. Opt for the 102PS TDI and you move into group 9, while the TDI 122 jumps to group 12 - still not that much in the greater scheme of things.
