DVLA verified

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT1997 · 1.8L PETROL

R720 CMX

Vehicle Insight Summary

Considering this 1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT? It's a PETROL with a 1781cc engine showing 93,871 miles. MOT is not recorded and it's not currently taxed. View the full DVLA history below.

MOT
Expired
Expires 15/07/2010
Tax
SORN
Statutory Off Road Notification
Fuel
PETROL
Year
1997
Engine
1781cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle is in a state of unknown roadworthiness as the last recorded MOT dates back to July 2009. The maintenance trend shows a clear decline toward the end of the recorded history, moving from clean passes in 2007 to a comprehensive failure in 2009. Given that seventeen years have passed since the final inspection, the mechanical integrity and structural safety of the Passat cannot be verified. The 2009 test failure indicates a period of neglected basic upkeep, with failed components, emissions issues, and mechanical leaks. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,237 miles per year to reach the recorded 93,871 miles. However, the data reveals a significant gap in activity; the vehicle covered only 10,763 miles between May 2007 and July 2009, and then ceased having recorded tests. This suggests the car sat stationary for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seized brake calipers, and internal engine corrosion regardless of the low odometer reading. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on the recurring faults identified in the final tests. The 2009 record flagged a fractured offside coil spring, thin brake pads, and scored rear discs, which likely require replacement if not already addressed. The persistent oil leak and excessive carbon monoxide emissions suggest deeper engine-related seal failures or fuel system issues. Given the age and likely period of inactivity, the priority is checking for structural rust in the sills and floor pans, as well as the perished state of the brake hoses which were previously noted for deterioration.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

Free vehicle health score

35
/ 100 · Poor

Public record health check: Poor.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
✗ 1 dangerous defects found recently
A score of 35 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for R720CMX

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked

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Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: Jun 4, 2026, 02:37 AM
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle is in a state of unknown roadworthiness as the last recorded MOT dates back to July 2009. The maintenance trend shows a clear decline toward the end of the recorded history, moving from clean passes in 2007 to a comprehensive failure in 2009. Given that seventeen years have passed since the final inspection, the mechanical integrity and structural safety of the Passat cannot be verified. The 2009 test failure indicates a period of neglected basic upkeep, with failed components, emissions issues, and mechanical leaks. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,237 miles per year to reach the recorded 93,871 miles. However, the data reveals a significant gap in activity; the vehicle covered only 10,763 miles between May 2007 and July 2009, and then ceased having recorded tests. This suggests the car sat stationary for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seized brake calipers, and internal engine corrosion regardless of the low odometer reading. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on the recurring faults identified in the final tests. The 2009 record flagged a fractured offside coil spring, thin brake pads, and scored rear discs, which likely require replacement if not already addressed. The persistent oil leak and excessive carbon monoxide emissions suggest deeper engine-related seal failures or fuel system issues. Given the age and likely period of inactivity, the priority is checking for structural rust in the sills and floor pans, as well as the perished state of the brake hoses which were previously noted for deterioration.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

Our records for this Volkswagen Passat (R720 CMX) from 1997 show a total of 5 MOT tests between May 2006 and July 2009.

The vehicle has achieved an overall 60% pass rate, with 3 passes and 2 failures recorded. This is an average MOT record. Some attention to recurring issues may be beneficial.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Brakes (8 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 12 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

A total of 12 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)”; “Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)”.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY