Official DVLA Record

1996 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · P220 ABW

P220 ABW

1996 Volkswagen Transporter (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01/12/1996. Recorded mileage 222,610 miles. MOT status: Expired.

Make & Model
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
Year / Origin
1996 · Preston
MOT Status
Valid until 30/04/2026
Road Tax
Untaxed (01/01/2026)
Recorded Mileage
222,610 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 1.9L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 30/04/2026
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 01/01/2026
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
1996
Engine
1896cc

P220 ABW Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 02/05/2025
  • 222,610 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
50
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
✓ Taxed
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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Technical Specifications

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P220 ABW Mileage History

  1. 12/04/2023213,860 mi
  2. 10/04/2024218,392 mi+4,532 mi
  3. 24/04/2024218,396 mi+4 mi
  4. 03/04/2025222,602 mi+4,206 mi
  5. 02/05/2025222,610 mi+8 mi

Average of roughly 4,256 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

P220 ABW MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 6 Sept 2026, 14:55
MOT Analysis

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 1996 Volkswagen Transporter (P220 ABW) between April 2023 and May 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 02 May 2025 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: Tyres (6 issues), Bodywork (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 15 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: “Offside Front Power steering ram leaking end of rack area boot to rack (2.1.5 (a))”; “Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”; “Nearside Rear Inner Vehicle structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced Sill ”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
40/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,700
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 222,610 is high,...

Our Verdict

Proceed with significant caution. While

Prioritise a thorough chassis inspection. In April 2024, this vehicle failed on structural rigidity due to corrosion under the bonnet, underside in front of the wheels, and the nearside rear sill. You must verify the quality of these repairs to ensure the vehicle is structurally sound. Check for any remaining thinning in the sills, particularly by the sliding door runner as noted in previous advisories.

Inspect the engine bay for the oil leak mentioned in both 2023 and 2024 records. While described as 'not excessive', recurring leaks on a high-mileage diesel engine require investigation. Additionally, verify that the power steering ram and CV boots—both of which caused a failure in early 2025—have been properly replaced rather than temporarily patched.

As a 1.9L diesel from 1996, fuel economy will be typical for a commercial vehicle of this era, though less efficient than modern equivalents. Tax and insurance should be relatively modest, but maintenance costs are likely to be high given the vehicle's age and the high mileage of 222,610.

Expect frequent expenditure on wear-and-tear items. The history shows a high turnover of tyres and suspension components, such as the anti-roll bar bushes and ball joints. Budgeting for ongoing corrosion treatment and mechanical upkeep is essential for a vehicle of this vintage.

Focus your inspection on the areas where structural failures occurred in 2024: the area below the battery tray, the underside in front of the wheels, and the nearside rear sill. Use a torch or mirror to check for weld quality and any new signs of surface rust, which was noted in the 2023 report.

Check the CV boots for splits and inspect the power steering rack for leaks, as these were specific failure points in April 2025. Finally, check the tread depth and wear patterns on all tyres, as the MOT history indicates a recurring tendency for tyres to wear unevenly or reach legal limits quickly.

This 1996 Grey Volkswagen Transporter has recorded 222,610 miles. The MOT history shows a volatile pattern, including a major failure in April 2024 involving structural rigidity and corrosion, alongside repeated issues with tyres, CV boots, and oil leaks. Although it passed its most recent test in May 2025, the historical data suggests a vehicle prone to significant wear and tear.

Aggregate data is unavailable, but this specific vehicle shows common high-mileage commercial wear, particularly regarding structural corrosion and suspension components.

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

Vehicle & Plate History

Other vehicles on this plate

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
Year: 1996
15/04/2026