1987 Volkswagen Camper 1.6L Diesel · E168 NJT

The Volkswagen Camper presents as roadworthy following its most recent MOT pass on 20 March 2026 at 152,878 miles, with the maintenance trend appearing stable across the last three annual cycles. The tester recorded no defects at that examination, and the prior pass on 19 March 2025 at 152,421 miles also carried no advisories. This clean run suggests consistent baseline upkeep in the recent period, though the March 2026 record shows an anomalous failed test on the same date and mileage with no defects logged, likely an administrative or presentation error at the testing station rather than a mechanical fault. The recorded mileage of 152,878 against a 39-year lifespan equates to roughly 3,920 miles per year, confirming light annual use for a vehicle of this age. Between the 9 March 2024 failure at 151,653 miles and the 21 March 2024 pass at 151,677 miles the van covered only 24 miles, indicating the owner addressed the non-defect issue promptly. Annual increments stayed modest: 744 miles to March 2025 and 457 miles to March 2026. Such low accumulation points to limited road exposure, though prolonged standing periods common with campers raise the risk of perished rubber components and seized mechanisms not captured in a static test. A buyer should physically inspect suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers for binding or corrosion given the vehicle's age and likely storage history. The absence of recorded advisories means the DVSA sheets offer no flagged wear on exhaust emissions or structural integrity, but 1987-era Volkswagen underbodies are prone to hidden rust in chassis rails and outriggers. Confirm the March 2026 failure entry was a clerical artefact and not a withheld defect. Given the sparse, clean record, in-person checks should prioritise tyre sidewall cracking, brake disc condition, and fuel system integrity after standing. The low mileage implies gentle use, yet age alone demands verification of consumables and structural soundness beyond the MOT certificate.