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Volkswagen Caddy Problems

Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Caddy? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Volkswagen Caddy issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Volkswagen Caddy in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Does the 2016 VW Caddy 1.4 TSI use a cam-belt or cam-chain?

The VW 1.4 TSI engine uses a cam-chain rather than a rubber toothed belt which needs periodic replacement. As such, the cam-chain should last the life of the engine (and the rest of the car) but experience with this engine suggests that is not always the case and some early versions of this engine have required cam-chain replacement. The incidence of this seems a bit random, with no real pattern emerging with some cars going on to record normal mileages with no cam-chain problems.

The car you’re looking at, however, is a later version, so should be less prone to this. But even so, make sure the car has a perfect service record as poor maintenance can shorten the life of the cam-chain.

What are the best van options for wheelchair modifications?

From the sounds of things, you need a vehicle that can accommodate the wheelchair as an actual seat in the car rather than having the chair folded and stored for the journey. With that in mind, a van or people-mover is by far the best best bet and the news is good, because there are plenty of choices. For a while there, people were converting Ford Falcon station-wagons for this task, but since the Falcon is no longer made, vans have become the new default vehicle to convert. Which makes plenty of sense.

There are specialist firms around that will carry out whatever conversion you require and tailor-make the ramps, lock-down points and grab-rails you need to make it work for you. Switched on companies will sit down with you and discuss your precise requirements and engineer something bespoke if necessary.

At the moment, the list of car choices is pretty long and includes the new Hyundai Staria, VW Caddy, LDV G10, VW Caravelle, Renault Kangoo, Renault Trafic, Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota HiAce and, in case you need something really big, even the Toyota Coaster. Some of these companies are also registered as NDIS suppliers.

But don’t rule out a second-hand vehicle, either. There are websites around listing used wheelchair-accessible cars for sale. Some will be ex-taxis, but others can be relatively low-kilometre cars that might just have the exact layout you were looking for.

RECALL: More than 16,000 VW Polo, Golf, Jetta and Passat cars have dual-clutch transmission issue
Volkswagen Australia has recalled 16,098 Polo, Golf, Jetta and Passat cars, and Caddy vans, over a problem with their DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
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Volkswagen Caddy 2004: Discs need replacing

The Caddy is based on the Golf, so they should fit. If in doubt check with a VW dealer.

ACCC issues fourteen recalls in past fortnight
A number of potentially hazardous faults have been identified in vehicles sold in Australia, prompting a wide range of recalls.
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Government gives green light for Volkswagen diesel recall
Another 35,000 vehicles have been added to Volkswagen Australia's diesel emissions recall list.
Read the article
Volkswagen fix revealed for Australia
US owners of VW cars with diesel engines that can cheat emissions tests have already been given $500, but local owners still have no compensation.
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Faulty climate control in Caddy

There would have been a statutory warranty that would have applied if you bought it from a licensed dealer, but it would have expired a couple of months ago. Added to that you don't know that it wasn't working when you bought it. You really don't have any comeback now.

Avensis good pick for a family car?

The Avenso Versis is a good all-rounder in the people-mover class. Other people-movers you could consider are the Honda Odyssey, Kia Grand Carnival, or VW Caddy Life, you could consider SUVs like the Ford Territory or Nissan Dualis.

Compensation for Caddy engine replacement?

VW has already come to the party by covering 70 percent of the repairs. That's on a car that is six years old and well out of warranty. I don't think you've got much of a case for more than you've already received.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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