VW Heritage Mk1 Caddy Buying Guide

VW Mk1 Caddy Buying Guide

The Golf fronted Pick Up is a popular classic for VW enthusiasts. It carries the commercial kudos of the legendary Type 2 and combines it with the most famous hot hatch of all, so it’s little wonder so many can be seen at VW shows. Here’s some pointers in our Mk1 Caddy buying guide.

The Caddy first appeared on the European market in 1982 and originated from production plants in the former Yugoslavia initially. It’s a light commercial vehicle and in original trim can be somewhat agricultural compared to the hatch, but there’s lots you can do to make it more civilised. More than anything else, it’s just a bit different – and for this reason alone, you can be assured of its continued desirability on the VW scene.

caddy-opener

Engines

There were three options; the 75bhp 1.6 petrol, the 54bhp 1.6 diesel and the later 95bhp fuel-injected 1.8 which was usually accompanied by a five-speed gearbox. Remember, Caddys would have started out as works vans so be especially careful to avoid thrashed examples, and any that emit blue smoke on the overrun which usually indicates worn valve guide seals.
caddy-engine

The cambelt is due for replacement on most models at 40,000 miles, so check this has been done too, or negotiate accordingly on price to cover having it done. The diesel is largely bulletproof, but slow in this non-turbo guise, which is why it’s not uncommon to find Caddys that have had a more recent TDi fitted instead which is a good deal more practical. Engine transplants from the Mk2 and Mk3 Golf are also popular and if the work’s been done well, then see it as an asset.

Bodywork

The Caddy rusts in all the same places as the hatch, namely in the rear quarter panels, inner wings, inner and outer sills, the bottom of the doors, the strut tops, the metal where the clutch cable passes through the bulkhead and the scuttle panel at the bottom of the windscreen. Most of the panels are still available, but obviously if you’re paying someone else to do the work a really rusty example will cost big money to sort. Then there’s the rear loading bed to look at. Chances are it will have been used to carry things so expect the usual dents and dents along the top of the roofline where planks of wood may have been tethered. The tailgates for these vehicles are rarely in brilliant condition and good replacements are like hen’s teeth.

bodywork

Running gear

There are coil springs at the front and a more industrial leaf spring set up at the rear. The number of ‘leafs’ depends on the year, but usually there’s either two or four springs each side. Standard ride height will give some owners vertigo which is why it is common to ‘flip’ the rear axle to improve a Caddy’s stance – just make sure it’s not too low and that the work’s been done properly. While on a test drive, listen out for any untoward knocks from the front which could point to lower bush wear, worn top mounts or a broken road spring. Identifying wheel bearing noise could also prove another useful negotiating tool.

If the steering feels sloppy, it’s most likely to be the bushes rather than the rack itself. Be mindful of the fact that VW didn’t strengthen the rack mount on the RHD cars and this is an area that can corrode so give it an eyeball if you can.

You will find servo assisted non-vented discs up front and conventional drums at the rear, making braking adequate but not sensational. That said, there’s lots of options in the way of upgrades, including fitting a beefier servo, vented discs and even a rear disc conversion.

interior

Interior

Sadly, due to their commercial nature, it’s not uncommon for a Caddy to look a little scruffy inside. Especially if it’s had a hard life. But again, there’s lots you can do to improve things, including fitting plusher seats from a Mk1 GTi if you can find some. Because all the parts are interchangeable with a Mk1 hatch, you can easily replace things like seat bolsters, door panels, headliners and dashboards. There’s also carpet sets available to smarten things up a bit.

values

What to pay?

Early Caddys always attract a lot of interest and because so few seem to come up for sale, prices vary enormously. If you are lucky, you might be able to pick up a ‘project’ for around £1,500 but realistically £4,000-£5,000 will be a more realistic price. It makes sense to find one that’s already has an engine transplant and lowering done, and if you find one with nice paint and tidy retrimmed interior you could be looking at anything from £7,000-£8,000.

Happy hunting!

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

23 responses to: VW Mk1 Caddy Buying Guide


  1. A great read!
    I am on my 8th Rabbit Pickup restoration! I can stop any time!
    I have found sourcing parts (spares) for this vehicle here in the states more and more of a challenge and fortunately your company has come to my aid and on more than one occasion.
    Thanks and keep up the good work!
    Happy Boxing Day,
    G.

    1. Hey there mate.
      I’m on the hunt for a Mk 1 caddy..have you ever considered shipping any of your finished pickups overseas to the uk?
      Rick

      1. Hi Rick. Not sure if this post is still active, however I have a 82 caddy pickup . I am based in South Africa. You can contact me on WhatsApp +27 72 297 2797.

  2. Hi, my father in law is about to put up for sale his 1990 caddy pickup, it is in what I consider very good condition,it is a red/maroon colour.He wants me to sell it for him and I am waiting for him to give me all the details but as I saw this site while doing research I thought I would leave this message to see if there are any interested parties out there ? If so let me know and I will send details when I get them.

  3. Hi I own a mk1 caddy gti 1.8 white original factory built car. I am told they only made a few? 200? Can’t be many left? It’s really nice original and 80000 ish miles.
    Was going to maybe enter in a classic auction ? Any view as to values? Any around? Prices they sold for?
    Appreciate any help cheers martyn

      1. Can you send me email of all the information of that caddy sport?
        I am going to buy an 1.8 petrol caddy, and i want to know more about history of that car.

  4. Hi
    My wife’s late father has a caddy pick up s reg
    Really good condition well looked after
    Any idea on the value at all as she is thinking about selling it

    1. Hi Simon, an S reg caddy would be the Mk2 version. These tend to be less sought after, but if anything are rarer.
      Value wise – could be a few grand, if the condition is good, and you find the right person.
      Andy

      1. the s reg caddys are a lot more sought after now. but they are not very respected by the vw community. this is because vw shared a shell with skoda and most vw enthusiasts now see them as one. but if you have a tidy mk2 pick up you could probably get anywhere between 1500-3000 depending on rust and exterior problems to follow. the only thing putting me off of the mk2’s is the fact that the rear wheels are on coiled suspension. i have seen the shock go straight through the arch with only a 250kg washing machine in the back!

  5. Hi Guys,

    I am selling my sons 89 VW Caddy, three quarter finished project. White, on coil overs, great rims, additional items include 2 new rear arches, tailgate, 2 dashboard options. She has 2 great seats out of a Vanden Plas so super comfy, starts and drives but not MOT. Most of the work needed is internal but will need a mechanical overview.
    Have had some timewasters already but looking for around £4700 ideally. Plenty of pics available if interested.

  6. Hello I’ve just bought a mk1 pick up caddy and would appreciate any info on best insurance company to go with cheers rob

  7. Hello!
    I’m renovating a 1990 caddy GTI with the 1.8l engine.
    The question I have is if it’s worth more with a rebuilt original engine or if I should swap it with a 1.8t, vr6 or the g60 engine?
    I’ve seen the GEX performance engine but read alot of negative comments about it.

  8. Is the front and the motor from the caddy same as a golf 1 because then you can take a 2jetta motor in ther perfactly

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