1997 Volkswagen Transporter 2.4L Diesel · P552 BAP
1997 Volkswagen Transporter (2.4L, diesel). First registered 01/01/1997. Recorded mileage 179,382 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/06/2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 179,382 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 2370cc
P552 BAP Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/06/2025
- 179,382 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
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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P552 BAP Mileage History
- 22/03/2022172,002 mi
- 29/03/2023179,165 mi+7,163 mi
- 13/04/2024179,352 mi+187 mi
- 07/06/2025179,382 mi+30 mi
Average of roughly 2,299 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
P552 BAP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volkswagen Transporter (P552 BAP) between March 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A solid consideration for those seeking
When inspecting this 2.4L diesel Transporter, focus on the service history to complement the MOT records, as the MOT only confirms the vehicle met minimum standards on specific dates. Given the age of the vehicle, check for any signs of corrosion on the chassis and sills, which is common in older commercial vehicles of this era.
Negotiate based on the documented mileage and the age of the vehicle. Ask for evidence of timing belt changes and coolant system maintenance, as these are critical for the longevity of the 2370cc engine. Ensure all electrical components and heavy-use items like door hinges and sliding door mechanisms are functioning smoothly.
As a 2.4L diesel, running costs will be higher than a standard passenger car. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of a late-90s diesel van, which will be influenced by load and driving style. Tax bands for a 1997 vehicle are generally fixed, but you should verify the specific annual rate for this engine size.
Insurance groups for classic Transporters can vary significantly depending on the driver's profile and whether the vehicle is used for commercial or private purposes. Maintenance costs should be budgeted for higher than average, accounting for the age of the components and the specific requirements of a diesel engine with nearly 180,000 miles on the clock.
The most recent MOT history from 2025 shows no defects, which is a positive sign, but you should still manually inspect the underside for rust, particularly around the suspension mounting points. Even though no defects were recorded in 2024 or 2025, check the condition of the brake lines and exhaust system which are common areas for wear.
Specifically for this 1997 model, check the condition of the diesel fuel system and look for any signs of leaks around the engine bay. Given the mileage has increased by approximately 7,380 miles since the 2022 MOT, check the tyre tread and condition to ensure they are appropriate for the current mileage and usage.
This 1997 Volkswagen Transporter (P552BAP) is a diesel-powered example currently showing 179,382 miles. The vehicle has completed four consecutive MOT tests since 2022 without a single recorded failure or advisory. While the mileage is significant, the recent testing history shows a period of stability with no documented mechanical or structural defects in the most recent inspections.
No aggregate MOT data is available for this specific model to provide a statistical reliability 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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