1965 Volkswagen Microbus 1.8L Petrol · FDS 163C
1965 Volkswagen Microbus (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1965. Recorded mileage 69,700 miles. MOT valid until 20 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN MICROBUS
- Year / Origin
- 1965 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 69,700 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
FDS 163C Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/05/2026
- 69,700 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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FDS 163C Mileage History
- 18/04/202469,694 mi
- 21/05/202569,697 mi+3 mi
- 25/06/202569,700 mi+3 mi
- 04/05/202669,700 mi
- 22/05/202669,700 mi
Average of roughly 3 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
FDS 163C MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1965 Volkswagen Microbus (FDS 163C) between April 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Steering (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system imbalanced across an axle Axle 1 (1.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”; “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This class
Given the age and specific MOT history of this vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist in vintage Volkswagens is essential. You should specifically negotiate based on the documented corrosion to the offside integral body structure and the recurring oil leaks from the sump and steering box.
Request a detailed service history to see if the braking imbalances noted in the 2026 failure have been addressed through more than just a simple adjustment. Because this is a 1965 model, ensure that any replacement parts used for the recent tyre and brake issues are period-correct or appropriate for a classic vehicle of this specification.
Running a 1776cc classic petrol engine involves higher-than-average costs due to specialist parts availability. Fuel economy will be relatively low compared to modern vehicles, and insurance for a 1965 classic should be sourced through a specialist provider.
Maintenance costs are likely to be significant; the MOT history shows a pattern of leaks (sump and steering box) and braking system issues that suggest ongoing mechanical attention is required. Expect annual maintenance to be higher than a standard vehicle due to the necessity of specialist knowledge for repairs.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The MOT history shows multiple failures related to brake efficiency, imbalanced braking across both axles, and parking brake deficiency. Check that the recent pass in 2026 actually addressed the imbalance issues recorded in May 2026.
Examine the chassis and bodywork closely, specifically looking at the offside integral body structure where corrosion was noted in June 2025. Additionally, inspect the engine bay and undercarriage for signs of the oil leaks mentioned in the 2025 and 2026 tests, particularly around the sump and the steering box.
This 1965 Volkswagen Microbus, finished in grey, has recorded 69,700 miles and presents a complex MOT history. While it passed its most recent test in May 2026, the records show significant recent failures regarding braking efficiency, tyre wear, and structural corrosion. The vehicle's history is marked by inconsistent braking performance and recurring oil leaks.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Volkswagen Microbus model.
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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