DVLA verified

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE2002 · 1.6L PETROL

VL02 BTL

Vehicle Insight Summary

This 2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE is a PETROL vehicle with a 1595cc engine. Currently it has no valid MOT recorded and is not currently taxed. The latest recorded mileage is 145,539.

MOT
Expired
Expires 25/02/2022
Tax
Untaxed
Expires 18/02/2022
Fuel
PETROL
Year
2002
Engine
1595cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The roadworthiness of this vehicle is concerning, showing a clear trend of mechanical neglect and deferred maintenance. The most recent test in February 2022 at 145,539 miles resulted in a significant failure with multiple critical faults across the suspension, braking, and electronic systems. The presence of an electronic stability control warning lamp alongside a rough offside front wheel bearing indicates that fundamental safety-critical components were not being proactively addressed prior to the last recorded inspection. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per year over its 24-year life. However, the data shows a distinct gap in activity between February 2020 and February 2021, where the car covered only 309 miles. This period of inactivity likely explains the accelerated deterioration of rubber-based components, such as the perished tyres and deteriorated brake hoses noted in the records. The lack of any MOT data since February 2022 suggests the vehicle may not have been legally driven or maintained on road for over four years. A prospective buyer must conduct a rigorous physical inspection focusing on the entire suspension assembly. The record shows a recurring history of corrosion on all four coil springs dating back to 2020 and 2022, which suggests a systemic issue with rust on the chassis. The noted oil leak around the gearbox and the previous failure of suspension arm bushes require a close look for active leaks and excessive play. Furthermore, the previously flagged rough offside front wheel bearing and the ESC fault indicate that the vehicle requires a professional diagnostic scan and mechanical overhaul to ensure it is safe for road use.

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
✓ Taxed
✗ Poor MOT pass rate (40%)
! Older vehicle
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 VL02BTL

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

MOT data last updated: 6/19/2026, 4:05:06 PM

Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The roadworthiness of this vehicle is concerning, showing a clear trend of mechanical neglect and deferred maintenance. The most recent test in February 2022 at 145,539 miles resulted in a significant failure with multiple critical faults across the suspension, braking, and electronic systems. The presence of an electronic stability control warning lamp alongside a rough offside front wheel bearing indicates that fundamental safety-critical components were not being proactively addressed prior to the last recorded inspection. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per year over its 24-year life. However, the data shows a distinct gap in activity between February 2020 and February 2021, where the car covered only 309 miles. This period of inactivity likely explains the accelerated deterioration of rubber-based components, such as the perished tyres and deteriorated brake hoses noted in the records. The lack of any MOT data since February 2022 suggests the vehicle may not have been legally driven or maintained on road for over four years. A prospective buyer must conduct a rigorous physical inspection focusing on the entire suspension assembly. The record shows a recurring history of corrosion on all four coil springs dating back to 2020 and 2022, which suggests a systemic issue with rust on the chassis. The noted oil leak around the gearbox and the previous failure of suspension arm bushes require a close look for active leaks and excessive play. Furthermore, the previously flagged rough offside front wheel bearing and the ESC fault indicate that the vehicle requires a professional diagnostic scan and mechanical overhaul to ensure it is safe for road use.

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

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

Our records for this Volkswagen Beetle (VL02 BTL) from 2002 show a total of 5 MOT tests between February 2020 and February 2022.

Historically, this vehicle has passed 40% of its MOT tests, totaling 2 passes against 3 fails. The failure history is significant; we recommend a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Suspension (12 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 27 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

A total of 5 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault (7.12 (e))”; “Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.

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

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY