September’s Used Van Hero

For those wanting economy, safety features and a high level of specification

The Glass’s Commercial Vehicle Team names the Volkswagen Caddy Highline van their Used Van Hero for September 2019.

Each month, the Glass’s Commercial Vehicle team meets to name their current Used Van Hero in the UK market. This is the model they believe offers versatility, economy and outstanding value for money in the used van market.

Andy Picton, Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor: “The Caddy continues to stand the test of time. Well engineered, a good level of specification and with impressive safety features”.

Andy added, “High specification examples with air conditioning and metallic paint are in high demand and have a good following amongst used van buyers”

WHY?

This is a well-engineered van with a comfortable driving position. It is available in a variety of engine powers, manual and DSG transmissions and three trim levels. This is an impressive van range including the big brother versions, the Caddy Maxi. 

WHEN WAS IT ON SALE?

Initially built in Pennsylvania and launched in North America in 1979 as the VW Rabbit Pick-up, the small pick-up launched in Europe in 1982 renamed as the Caddy. Renewed and updated by Volkswagen, the Caddy is now in its fourth generation.

WHAT’S GOOD?

The Caddy continues to offer customers historically strong residual values.  Available with impressive fuel economy up to 60.1mpg (NEDC), as standard, the Caddy has ABS, EBD, ESP, driver and passenger front and curtain airbags and Automatic Post Collision Braking. Volkswagen is also the only commercial vehicle manufacturer to fit Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard, to all its vans.

The top of the range Highline model comes with an excellent level of specification including, alloy wheels, full body coloured bumpers, door mirrors and handles, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, climatic air conditioning, heated windscreen, alarm and Discover media navigation system. Volkswagen works closely with customers in the UK with its dedicated van centre network offering extended opening hours.

WHAT’S BAD?

Based on retail prices, there are cheaper vans in the sector, whilst maximum payloads fall short of some of the competition in this sector. Water pumps can be problematic, whilst the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves can fail. Higher mileage examples with blue smoke from the exhaust, may be showing the first signs of injector problems. Check for possible issues on the DSG gearbox if you are going to opt for an automatic.

IDEAL BUY?

• 1616 plate
• Volkswagen Caddy Highline
• C20 2.0TDI 102ps
• 45,000 miles on the clock

• Glass Trade £8,500 excluding vat
• Glass Retail £9,675 excluding vat