1987 Volkswagen Transporter 2.1L Petrol · E592 ELM
1987 Volkswagen Transporter (2.1L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1987. Recorded mileage 166,719 miles. MOT expired on 20 Aug 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1987 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 166,719 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
E592 ELM Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 12/11/2025
- 166,719 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 13 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E592 ELM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1987 Volkswagen Transporter (E592 ELM) between August 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 12 November 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (7 issues), Windscreen (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 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: “Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”.
E592 ELM Mileage History
- 22/08/2023166,638 mi
- 22/08/2023166,638 mi
- 12/11/2025166,719 mi+81 mi
Average of roughly 36 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
Given the age and the specific nature of the recent MOT failures, any potential buyer should budget significantly for immediate repairs. The 2025 failure highlights extensive issues with brake pipes and hoses being corroded or covered in grease, which can mask the true extent of metal degradation. You should negotiate the price downwards to reflect the cost of rectifying these safety-critical items.
Request a detailed service history to see if the reported 'rear oil leak' has been addressed previously, as this appeared in both 2023 and 2025. Because the brake pipes are noted as being 'covered in grease or other material', a thorough physical inspection is necessary to ensure there is no structural corrosion hidden beneath the substance. It is also advisable to have a specialist mechanic check the engine's combustion efficiency, following the 'excessive carbon monoxide' failure recorded in late 2025.
As a 2.1L petrol engine from the late 1980s, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. Expect relatively low fuel economy and higher-than-average emissions, as evidenced by the recent CO test failure. Tax and insurance groups for a vehicle of this age and type vary, but the maintenance costs are likely to be substantial due to the age of the components.
Annual running costs will be heavily influenced by how often the vehicle is driven and the frequency of repairs needed for ageing rubber components (hoses) and metal parts (brake pipes). Budget for higher-than-average maintenance to keep a classic Transporter roadworthy.
Prioritise a close inspection of the braking system. The MOT history specifically notes corroded brake pipes and deteriorated hoses on both the front and rear. Ensure these are not just cleaned but replaced if the corrosion is deep. Also, check the wheel bearings, as the 2025 test recorded play in the offside front and both rear bearings.
Examine the suspension components, particularly the anti-roll bar pins and bushes, which have been flagged as worn in both 2023 and 2025. You should also inspect the engine area for the 'not excessive' rear oil leak mentioned in multiple tests to determine if it is a slow weep or a more significant issue. Finally, check the windscreen and wiper assembly, as these were noted as failing or damaged in recent years.
This 1987 Volkswagen Transporter is a 2.1L petrol model with 166,719 miles recorded at its last test. While it is a classic vehicle, the MOT history shows a pattern of recurring issues, including repeated anti-roll bar concerns and oil leaks. The most recent test in November 2025 resulted in a failure with multiple significant defects, suggesting immediate maintenance is required.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Volkswagen Transporter model to provide a statistical comparison.
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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