1998 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · S612 AVV
1998 Volkswagen Transporter (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 198,601 miles. MOT expired on 05 Aug 2025.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Aug 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Jan 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 198,601 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- 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.
S612 AVV Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/08/2024
- 198,601 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 16 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (18 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S612 AVV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Volkswagen Transporter (S612 AVV) between July 2024 and August 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 August 2024 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: Suspension (18 issues), Brakes (17 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 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 Brake hose excessively deteriorated from load valve (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated from load valve (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.
S612 AVV Mileage History
- 26/07/2024198,600 mi
- 07/08/2024198,601 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 30 miles per year across 2 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 extreme caution due to the
When viewing this vehicle, prioritise a thorough inspection of the undercarriage. The 2024 MOT report highlights corrosion on the front sub-frame, suspension arms, and coil springs. While these were noted as not yet 'seriously weakened', at this age, structural corrosion can progress rapidly and lead to costly MOT failures in the future. Negotiate the price significantly downwards to account for the necessary replacement of brake hoses, suspension bushes, and the corroded suspension components noted in the latest test.
Check for any evidence of recent repair work, as the 2024 MOT followed a failure that included serious safety issues like brake imbalances and tyre damage. Ensure that the items marked as 'slightly deteriorated' or 'corroded' have not worsened since the August 2024 test. Given the age of the vehicle, it is advisable to have a mechanic familiar with older Volkswagen commercial vehicles conduct a pre-purchase inspection specifically focusing on chassis integrity.
As a 1998 diesel vehicle, this Transporter will be subject to older emission standards, which may impact its eligibility for certain urban low-emission zones. Insurance costs for a vehicle of this age can vary significantly depending on usage and whether it is registered as a commercial or private vehicle.
Maintenance costs will likely be high due to the age-related wear identified in the MOT history. You should budget for regular replacement of perishable items like brake hoses and suspension components. Combined with fuel and tax, estimated annual running costs are likely to range from £1,500 to £2,200, though this will fluctuate based on mileage and the frequency of repairs required to address the ongoing corrosion issues.
Focus your inspection on the braking system. The MOT history notes worn, pitted, or scored discs and deteriorating brake hoses. Ensure the pedal feel is firm and that the vehicle pulls up straight under braking. Inspect the suspension arms and coil springs for active flaking rust, as these were flagged as corroded in the most recent test.
Additionally, check the steering linkage and ball joints. The 2024 MOT failure mentioned excessive play in the steering rack end and damaged dust covers on ball joints. Test the steering for any vagueness or knocking sounds when turning at low speeds. Finally, verify that all electrical systems, including the horn and windscreen washers, are fully functional, as these have previously been identified as points of failure.
This 1998 Volkswagen Transporter has covered 198,601 miles and shows a history of significant maintenance requirements. The most recent MOT in August 2024 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by a long list of advisories covering suspension, braking, and structural components. Given its age and the findings recorded in the latest test, potential buyers should anticipate substantial ongoing investment to keep the vehicle roadworthy.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific generation of Volkswagen Transporter, though age-related component fatigue is a common factor for vehicles of this era.
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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