What is covered under the Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack warranty?
Volkswagen’s Caddy Alltrack is the plush(er), lifestyle-oriented derivative of this model. Appealing to family buyers who appreciate all the space and versatility inherent in the Caddy, but want some more style and a nicer cabin, the Alltrack is the closest that a Caddy will ever get to being a regular passenger vehicle. But is it covered by the same warranty as this manufacturer’s other cars? We investigated to bring you the low-down.
The Caddy range is a little convoluted, with a selection of 1.0-litre turbopetrol, 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, and 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplants, various gearbox options, a number of trim levels, and two available wheelbase lengths. To simplify matters a little, it’s easiest to view the Alltrack simply as the most-upmarket short-wheelbase, passenger-oriented vehicle in the Caddy range, with a choice between 5- and 7-seater seating.
Related: We reviewed the Volkswagen Caddy Trendline 2.0TDI, and came away very impressed by the package on offer.
It is only available with the brand’s well-regarded 2.0 TDI engine, tuned to deliver 81 kW and 250 Nm in this application, but can be ordered with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. In spite of the raised ride height, fender extensions and skidplate-lookalike trim inserts, don’t think that “Alltrack” badge means anything off-roady, though, because it only drives the front wheels – just as with any other Caddy.
The least-expensive Alltrack retails at R 490 700 (with a manual transmission), and includes a warranty for 3 years or 120 000 km, along with a service plan for 3 years or 60 000 km. But what is covered by this warranty and service plan? Customers often pay for these plans, but are not sure what is and what is not covered. This could lead to an owner missing out on benefits to which they are actually entitled.
Related: Which Volkswagen Caddy is better: Diesel or petrol?
What is covered by the warranty and service plan?
1. Mechanical, body, and paintwork warranty: 3 years / 120 000km
The Caddy Trendline and Alltrack, being more family-use oriented, have a paint warranty as well as a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty as standard. The paint warranty safeguards the paint on the car against any manufacturing defects that may occur within the first three years. However, the paintwork must be cared for in accordance with the recommended guidelines set out in the handbook. As for the corrosion warranty, that covers the internal body sections and panels of your Volkswagen, against rusting through (perforation) for a period of 12 years.
The Caddy Alltrack’s warranty covers the following:
- The vehicle is protected against the failure of most mechanical and electrical components due to manufacturing defects (but not abuse or wear and tear).
- Paintwork is covered against manufacturing defects for the warranty period.
- The internal body sections and panels of your Volkswagen are covered against rusting through from the inside for a period of 12 years.
The warranty does NOT cover the following wear/consumable items:
- Brake pads
- Clutches, release bearings and pressure plates
- Windshield wipers
- Fluid refills
- Certain drive train components
- Shock absorbers
- Tyres
- Key fob batteries
- Service items
2. 3 year/60 000km Genuine AutoMotion Service Plan
The Caddy Alltrack and Trendline both feature a standard service plan for 3 years or 60 000 km, which will cover service parts and labour (at a VW dealership) for 3 years or up to 60 000 km, whichever comes first. These items generally include items such as the air filter, ventilation pollen filter, oil filter, engine oil, fuel filter, sump plug and washer, brake fluid, engine cleaner, and workshop consumables.
The benefit of this plan is that, when your car needs a service and is within this contractual time frame, the customer only needs to book their Alltrack in, drop it off, and collect it when the service is completed. All costs are covered by your plan, and service intervals are set at 15 000km intervals.
Volkswagen also offers a host of various extensions to their service plans, and can even tailor a plan depending on the buyer’s specific requirements. The brand also offers fleet services for those who do long-distance driving and need extensive cover. For more information, visit the for more details about the various service- and maintenance plans they offer.
If you are still unsure about what your warranty may or may not cover, consult your vehicle handbook or speak to your Volkswagen dealer to get more detailed information.