1987 Volkswagen Camper 2.1L Petrol · D405 LFX

The Volkswagen Camper shows a passed MOT on 5 July 2023 at 286,883 miles with no defects recorded, yet the surrounding history reveals a troubled run of tests. Between 12 May and 5 July 2023 the vehicle failed three times at near-identical mileages (286,121, 286,881, and 286,883) before the eventual pass, with the DVSA record listing no specific defects on any failure. This pattern is not a clean maintenance trend but suggests administrative re-tests or undocumented rectification work rather than a worsening mechanical decline, and the most recent result leaves the van legally roadworthy as recorded. The odometer sat at 277,416 miles for the April 2022 pass and rose to 286,883 by July 2023, an addition of roughly 9,467 miles over fifteen months or about 7,500 per year, consistent with the vehicle's 39-year average. A gap exists between the 7 April 2022 test and the first 2023 failure on 12 May 2023, during which roughly 9,000 miles were covered with no intermediate test. The record is sparse and clean on defects, offering little evidence of neglected consumables or structural neglect across the logged period. A buyer should still inspect the camper in person given the three 2023 failures with no listed faults. The tester may have flagged suspension bushes, brake discs, or corrosion informally; examine the subframe, outriggers, and floorpan for structural rust typical of a 1987 van. Check the braking system for binding calipers or worn cylinders, and verify the exhaust emissions against period tolerances. Confirm the V5C matches the recorded mileages and question the seller on the May to July 2023 failures. Without advisory notes the MOT data alone cannot prove ongoing faults, but the repeated re-tests warrant a physical check of steering joints and tyre condition before purchase.