1996 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · P220 ABW
1996 Volkswagen Transporter (1.9L, diesel). First registered 02 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 222,610 miles. MOT expired on 30 Apr 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Jan 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 222,610 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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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.
P220 ABW 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 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 ”.
P220 ABW Mileage History
- 12/04/2023213,860 mi
- 10/04/2024218,392 mi+4,532 mi
- 24/04/2024218,396 mi+4 mi
- 03/04/2025222,602 mi+4,206 mi
- 02/05/2025222,610 mi+8 mi
Average of roughly 4,256 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
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
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
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