You know those custom Caddys rolling around town, the ones with the seamless full body paint job that looks like it came straight from the Volkswagen factory that way? Smooth colour-matched bumpers and fender flares flow perfectly into the doors, and there is no stitch of exposed black plastic in sight.
It's a seriously slick aesthetic, no doubt about it. But is getting your own humble Caddy colour-coded worth the cash? Let's investigate.
What Does "Colour Coding" Actually Entail?
In its most basic sense, a full-colour code job takes all of the Caddy's exterior trim pieces and body add-ons that normally come in basic black plastic and resprays or replaces them to match the van's paint code.
We're talking everything - bumpers, side mouldings, door handles, mirror caps, you name it. Some more comprehensive packages will even hit the exterior lighting housings and window trims while they're at it.
The result is a smooth, uniform look that totally classes up the Caddy's utilitarian vibe.
Where most factory vans have that distinct "two-tone" contrast between the body and black plastic overspray, a properly colour-coded example blends those lines into one flowing form. It's an eye-catching transformation.
The Cost Factor
As with any significant vehicle modification, cost is the main factor to consider here. Plan on spending anywhere from £1,000 to £2,500+ to have a professional outfit like Volkswagen's own dealers or an approved vehicle wrapping company fully colour code your Caddy from tip to tail.
That's a healthy chunk of change on top of the van's purchase price. But if you're keeping the vehicle for the long haul and want that premium, flush aesthetic, many would argue it's money well spent.
The Prep Work Matters
Not all colour coding jobs are created equal, though. The vehicles that look the absolute best have removed the body panels to allow for a full dip into the paint tank. This ensures that every little nook and cranny gets evenly and smoothly coated for consistency.
Reputable shops will also take the time to sand and re-texture the plastic components before spraying them. That way, the newly painted finish will properly adhere to and maintain an impeccable "factory" look for years rather than inevitably cracking or peeling off down the line.
Of course, all that extra disassembly and prep work adds significantly to the labour costs. It's why the finer colour coding jobs command top dollar - you're not just paying for the paint itself but the effort and expertise that goes into the process.
The Resale Angle
Speaking of long-term value, a properly executed OEM-style colour-coded exterior can pay dividends when it's time to sell that Caddy someday. Unique custom paint jobs tend to be very polarising, which, in turn, limits your pool of potential buyers.
But a classy, uniform colour coding treatment that essentially replicates how the van could have looked rolling off the assembly line? That's something just about any prospective buyer can appreciate. It's a great way to stand out on the used market without going overboard or turning folks off with bizarre aftermarket hues.
The Bottom Line
Deciding whether to colour code your Volkswagen Caddy comes down to priorities. If you're more of a utilitarian type who sees their van as just an appliance to get the job done, the investment might not be worthwhile. Those basic black plastic bits aren't the worst thing in the world.
But for proud Caddy owners who want to eke out every last ounce of curb appeal from their vans, having a professional outfit break out the spray guns could be a worthwhile splurge. Done properly, it's a subtle yet impactful upgrade that instantly elevates the van's look.
Just be sure to set aside enough funds for the good stuff - cheap colour coding is a recipe for disappointment down the road.
