1998 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · R287 CCL
1998 Volkswagen Transporter (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/03/1998. Recorded mileage 70,986 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 10/08/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 70,986 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 2459cc
R287 CCL Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/08/2025
- 70,986 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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
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R287 CCL Mileage History
- 18/07/202263,806 mi
- 03/08/202368,772 mi+4,966 mi
- 26/07/202469,632 mi+860 mi
- 06/08/202570,986 mi+1,354 mi
Average of roughly 2,352 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
R287 CCL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Volkswagen Transporter (R287 CCL) between July 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 14 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough underside inspection. While the mileage is impressively low for a 1998 vehicle, the MOT history reveals persistent issues with corrosion and suspension wear.
Your primary focus should be on the structural integrity of the chassis and subframes. The MOT history shows repeated advisories regarding corrosion on the front cross member and bumper mountings, as well as corroded rear coil springs. Do not take a 'Pass' at face value; ensure that the corrosion mentioned in previous years has been treated or is not progressing toward a structural failure.
Secondly, check the service history for evidence of suspension and brake maintenance. This vehicle has a history of 'dangerous' brake pad failures and multiple issues with ball joint dust covers and anti-roll bar linkages. Ensure that the recent suspension work mentioned in the 2025 MOT has been completed to a high standard, as several bushes and joints were noted as worn or deteriorated.
As a 2.5L diesel, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent, particularly regarding fuel consumption and tax. Being a 1998 model, it likely sits in a higher tax band compared to newer Euro 6 compliant vans. Insurance groups for older Transporters can vary significantly depending on usage (commercial vs. private).
Maintenance costs should be budgeted for regularly. The MOT history indicates that suspension components (bushes, ball joints, and springs) and braking systems are frequent areas of repair for this specific vehicle. Expect to spend more on preventative maintenance to keep the chassis and running gear in safe, roadworthy condition.
A thorough inspection of the underside is non-negotiable. Specifically, look at the front integral body structure and the lower front crash bar/cross member, as these have been flagged for heavy corrosion in recent years. Check the rear coil springs for signs of heavy rust or cracking, following the advisories from 2024.
Inspect the suspension more closely than usual. The vehicle has a recurring history of deteriorating ball joint dust covers and worn anti-roll bar linkages. Finally, check for any signs of the oil leak mentioned in 2023 to ensure it is not a significant or worsening issue, and verify that the exhaust system is securely mounted, as it has failed for support issues in the past.
This 1998 Volkswagen Transporter presents a rare opportunity to own a diesel van with relatively low mileage (70,986 miles) for its age. However, the vehicle shows a clear pattern of age-related deterioration, specifically regarding structural corrosion and suspension component wear. While it has passed its recent MOTs, the history of advisory notices suggests maintenance has often been reactive rather than preventative.
While specific aggregate data is unavailable, the T4 Transporter is generally regarded as a robust workhorse, though older diesel models require strict adherence to cooling and fuel system maintenance.
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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