1997 Volkswagen Transporter 2.4L Diesel · R78 NDP
1997 Volkswagen Transporter (2.4L, diesel). First registered 01 Sept 1997. Recorded mileage 179,552 miles. MOT valid until 01 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 01 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 179,552 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R78 NDP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/08/2026
- 179,552 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R78 NDP 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 (R78 NDP) between August 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 August 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: Tyres (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Offside Rear Outer Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly red”.
R78 NDP Mileage History
- 10/08/2023172,695 mi
- 22/08/2024174,444 mi+1,749 mi
- 23/08/2024174,446 mi+2 mi
- 20/08/2025177,428 mi+2,982 mi
- 20/08/2026179,552 mi+2,124 mi
Average of roughly 2,264 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise caution with this vehicle. Whil
Prioritise a detailed inspection of the welding work carried out in August 2024 to resolve the structural corrosion on the rear sills and suspension mounting points. You should request invoices or evidence of these repairs to ensure they were performed to a professional standard rather than being temporary patches.
Given the recurring coolant leak advisories in both the 2025 and 2026 MOT tests, a pressure test of the cooling system is recommended. Check for any signs of overheating or fluid loss during a test drive, as this suggests a persistent issue that has not been fully resolved.
As a 1997 diesel with a 2370cc engine, fuel economy will be lower than modern equivalents. Insurance costs for a Transporter can vary significantly based on usage, and the vehicle will likely fall into a higher tax bracket due to its age and emissions standards.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle with nearly 180,000 miles are typically higher, as components such as suspension bushings, seals, and hoses reach the end of their natural lifespan. Expect higher-than-average annual spending on preventative maintenance to keep the vehicle roadworthy.
Carefully inspect the nearside and offside rear sills and the suspension arm mounting points where critical structural corrosion was recorded in 2024. Additionally, check the offside front integral body structure, which was noted as corroded in the 2023 test.
Inspect the engine bay and underbody for signs of coolant leaks, specifically referencing the advisories from August 2025 and August 2026. Finally, check the current tread depth and condition of all tyres, as multiple tyres were found to be worn close to or below the legal limit in 2023 and 2024.
This 1997 black Volkswagen Transporter has recorded 179,552 miles. The MOT history is marked by a significant failure in August 2024 due to structural corrosion on the sills and suspension mountings, alongside tyre wear. More recent tests in 2025 and 2026 have been passed, although both flagged coolant leaks as advisories.
Aggregate data is unavailable for this model, but this specific vehicle's history indicates a vulnerability to structural corrosion.
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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