1997 Mercedes Sprinter 2.9L Diesel · P428 BEP
1997 Mercedes Sprinter (2.9L, diesel). First registered 01/06/1997. Recorded mileage 202,461 miles. MOT valid until 30/05/2027. Taxed until 01/01/2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES SPRINTER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30/05/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/01/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 202,461 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 2874cc
P428 BEP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/06/2026
- 202,461 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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P428 BEP Mileage History
- 24/02/2023185,592 mi
- 23/04/2024200,746 mi+15,154 mi
- 24/04/2024200,748 mi+2 mi
- 05/05/2026202,458 mi+1,710 mi
- 01/06/2026202,461 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly 5,164 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
P428 BEP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Mercedes Sprinter (P428 BEP) between February 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Central Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced cross m”; “Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”; “Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution. While the
Your primary focus must be the structural integrity of the chassis. The MOT failure on 2026-05-05 specifically cited corrosion to the central rear vehicle structure cross member that reduced the rigidity of the assembly; you should verify the quality of the repair carried out to pass the subsequent test. Check for further rust in other chassis areas, as corrosion in one structural member often indicates wider issues.
Given the 2.9L diesel engine and the mileage exceeding 200,000, request any available service records to see how the engine has been managed. Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for new tyres, as the most recent MOT pass still lists the nearside front and rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit.
Running costs for this 1997 2.9L diesel will be higher than modern equivalents. Fuel economy will be modest, and as an older diesel, it may face restrictions in certain UK Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ), potentially adding daily charges to your costs.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated due to the vehicle's age and high mileage. Expect regular expenditure on suspension components and rust prevention. Insurance groups for older Sprinters are generally moderate, but the age of the vehicle may limit some comprehensive cover options.
Perform a detailed inspection of the rear cross member and the underside of the vehicle to ensure the corrosion identified in May 2026 has been properly addressed and not merely patched. Check the nearside front and rear tyres, as they were recorded as worn close to the legal limit during the June 2026 test.
Inspect the steering and suspension, specifically the track rod ends, which were failure points in April 2024. Additionally, check the brake lever travel and the operation of the main beam on the nearside headlamp, both of which have previously failed MOT tests.
This 1997 white Mercedes Sprinter has recorded 202,461 miles. The MOT history reveals a pattern of failures, most notably a serious structural corrosion issue in May 2026 and suspension wear in 2024. It is a high-mileage, older diesel vehicle that shows clear signs of age-related deterioration.
No aggregate data is available for this model, but this specific vehicle's history shows typical age-related structural and mechanical wear.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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