1988 Volkswagen Caravelle 1.9L Petrol · F365 FTA

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening condition regarding wheel bearing integrity. While the most recent test on 11 May 2026 at 131,745 miles passed, the tester flagged slight play in three wheel bearings: the nearside front, nearside rear, and offside rear. This represents a progression from the 2023 test where only the rear bearings were noted, indicating that components are now reaching the end of their service life. At 38 years old, the recorded mileage of 131,745 miles reflects a low annual average of approximately 3,467 miles. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with a gap of 6,000 miles covered between April 2024 and April 2025, and another 8,807 miles between April 2025 and May 2026. This low mileage suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy mechanical stress, though the age of the vehicle means that age-related degradation of rubber seals and fluids may have occurred despite the lack of mileage. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the wheel assemblies and suspension system. The recurring issues with wheel bearing play across 2023 and 2026 suggest that these components require imminent replacement to prevent future failure. Additionally, the 2023 record noted pitted and scored front brake discs and a rear oil leak; while these were not flagged in subsequent passes, the buyer should verify the current thickness of the brake rotors and ensure the oil leak has not worsened over time. The previous failure of the offside front suspension ball joint dust cover in 2023 also highlights the need to check for perished boots and grease-free joints.