1998 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · R627 AET
1998 Volkswagen Transporter (1.9L, diesel). First registered 08/04/1998. Recorded mileage 137,474 miles. MOT valid until 01/12/2026. Taxed until 01/01/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 01/12/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/01/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 137,474 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1896cc
R627 AET Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/12/2025
- 137,474 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (20 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
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
R627 AET Mileage History
- 07/11/2022129,686 mi
- 31/10/2023132,949 mi+3,263 mi
- 30/10/2024135,596 mi+2,647 mi
- 05/11/2025137,474 mi+1,878 mi
- 02/12/2025137,474 mi
Average of roughly 2,538 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R627 AET 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 1998 Volkswagen Transporter (R627 AET) between November 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 02 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (20 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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: “Offside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural ”; “Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”; “Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1998 Volkswagen Transporter present
When inspecting this Volkswagen Transporter, carefully examine all suspension component mountings, cross members, and sills for the corrosion noted in multiple MOT records from 2022 through 2025. Verify that the structural repairs for the offside rear upper suspension mounting—which was previously cited as excessively corroded—have been completed to a high standard. Check the service history for proof of past maintenance regarding suspension bushes, CV boots, and steering gaiters.
Negotiate the purchase price to account for the ongoing advisory items recorded at the December 2025 test, including the worn nearside front tyre, nearside rear suspension arm bush, and corrosion on the rear suspension cross member. Buyers should also inspect the engine bay for the oil leaks noted in the 2024 test and confirm the service brake efficiency meets required standards following the November 2025 failure.
As a 1896.0cc diesel commercial vehicle from 1998, fuel economy will depend heavily on load weight and driving style, though older indirect or early TDI diesel engines are generally robust. Insurance falls into commercial or classic/specialist categories depending on usage, which can help manage premiums for an older vehicle.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated due to the age of the vehicle and the frequency of suspension, corrosion, and wear-and-tear items appearing on recent MOT tests. Estimated annual running costs—incorporating fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance—are expected to range between £1,200 and £1,600.
Inspect the underside thoroughly, paying close attention to the structural areas cited in past MOT tests: the offside front inner sill, offside rear upper suspension component mountings (noted as excessively corroded in November 2025), and the rear suspension cross member. Check all suspension arm pins and bushes for wear, as these have appeared as recurring advisories between 2023 and 2025.
Examine the constant velocity drive shaft boots and steering rack gaiters, ensuring no splits or missing covers allow dirt ingress, referencing the November 2025 failure items. Finally, check the braking system for overall efficiency and inspect the tyres for edge wear, which was flagged during the December 2025 MOT.
First registered in April 1988 and finished in blue, this diesel-powered 1896.0cc Volkswagen Transporter has recorded 137,474 miles as of December 2025. The vehicle's MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of suspension wear, structural corrosion around mountings and sills, and occasional brake efficiency issues. While recent tests resulted in passes, the recurring advisories and a November 2025 failure highlight areas requiring immediate attention.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Volkswagen Transporter variant, making individual MOT history inspection essential.
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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