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Volkswagen Caravelle T3 1.6 TD (70 Hp) Syncro 16
Overall Rating
7.3 / 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)
T3 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T3). With 138 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1705 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 116 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year
N/A
Adult Occupant
N/A
Stars
N/A
Expert Note:
The Volkswagen Caravelle T3 was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. Safety standards of the era were significantly different from modern vehicles.
The Volkswagen Caravelle T3 was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. Safety standards of the era were significantly different from modern vehicles.
1.6 TD (70 Hp) Syncro 16 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers decent torque for its power, especially useful with the Syncro AWD system for improved traction and off-road capability.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a van, benefiting from turbo-diesel efficiency, though Syncro adds weight.
Best Use Case:
Adventure travel, light off-roading, areas with challenging terrain, towing.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 67%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 33%
3.7 / 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!
👍 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
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:
- • Spacious and versatile interior, ideal for families or camping conversions.
- • Iconic design with strong classic appeal and growing collector's value.
- • Good visibility and maneuverability for its size.
- • Syncro AWD models offer excellent off-road and all-weather capability.
- • Robust build quality, many examples still on the road.
Cons:
- • Engines can feel underpowered by modern standards, especially smaller diesels.
- • Fuel economy is not a strong point for petrol models, particularly the 2.1L.
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating).
- • Maintenance can be complex and parts for specific components (e.g., Wasserboxer cooling) can be costly.
- • Rust is a common issue, requiring careful inspection for older models.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T3: 1986 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T3 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 TD (70 Hp) Syncro 16 |
| Start of production: | 1987 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 7-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 70 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 44.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 138 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | JX More details about the engine JX |
| Engine displacement: | 1588 |
| 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: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 16 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 23:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 116 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 24.1 kg/Hp, 41.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 12.2 kg/Nm, 81.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1690-1720 |
| Max. weight: | 2500 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 780-810 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2930 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1700 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 600 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 29° |
| Wading depth: | 390 mm |
| Length: | 4600 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1845 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 2020-2028 mm mm [70mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2480 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Front track: | 1597 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1590 mm |
| Front overhang: | 1175 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 925 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 218-226 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 24° |
| Departure angle: | 24° |
| Climb angle: | 32° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels permanently, and the front wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/80 R16; 205/80 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
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