1997 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Petrol · P702 BCK
1997 Volkswagen Transporter (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01/06/1997. Recorded mileage 78,982 miles. MOT valid until 03/06/2027. Taxed until 01/09/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03/06/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/09/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,982 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 1968cc
P702 BCK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/06/2026
- 78,982 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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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P702 BCK Mileage History
- 31/05/202378,223 mi
- 13/05/202478,677 mi+454 mi
- 05/06/202478,689 mi+12 mi
- 17/05/202578,750 mi+61 mi
- 05/06/202678,982 mi+232 mi
Average of roughly 252 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
P702 BCK 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 1997 Volkswagen Transporter (P702 BCK) between May 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 05 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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 Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
Prioritise a professional structural inspection. The MOT history shows a pattern of corrosion in suspension component mountings and sills, including a 2024 failure where the offside rear mounting was noted as excessively corroded. You must verify if these repairs were permanent or merely cosmetic fixes using underseal, as noted in the 2026 record.
Negotiate based on the documented history of oil leaks and brake system deterioration. Ensure you request evidence of any welding or structural repairs carried out following the 2024 failure. Given the age and the specific issues with brake pipes being 'covered in grease or other material', check that the lines are actually new or treated, rather than just masked.
Running costs for a 1997 2.0L petrol Transporter will be higher than a modern equivalent. Expect relatively low fuel economy due to the engine size and vehicle weight, and insurance groups for older commercial vehicles can vary significantly based on driver profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated due to the age of the vehicle and the specific corrosion issues identified in the MOT history. Budget for frequent inspections of the braking system and chassis. The estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and anticipated maintenance, is approximately £1,800-£2,400.
Inspect the chassis and suspension mounting points thoroughly. The MOT history specifically mentions corrosion in the integral body structure and suspension component mountings in 2025 and 2026. Pay close attention to areas where underseal has been applied, as the 2026 record notes repair areas covered in underseal, which can sometimes hide active corrosion.
Examine the braking system and the engine bay. The vehicle has a documented history of brake pipe corrosion and oil leaks (noted in 2024 and 2025). Check the condition of the brake hoses, which were noted as deteriorated in 2025, and look for any signs of fresh oil weeping around the engine to ensure previous 'not excessive' leaks have been addressed.
This 1997 Volkswagen Transporter presents a complex profile with low mileage (78,982 miles) but a history of significant MOT advisories and failures. The records consistently highlight corrosion in critical areas, including brake pipes, sills, and suspension mountings. While it has passed its most recent tests, the recurring nature of the structural and braking issues suggests an ongoing maintenance requirement.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Volkswagen Transporter model to provide a comparative benchmark.
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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