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E197 XWJ

1988 Volkswagen Caravelle

Brown Petrol 1915cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires9 Aug 2026
Tests31 (16 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate51.6%

Mileage

75,910 mi
Last recorded75,910 miles
Recorded on6 Aug 2025
Typical for 1988 Volkswagen Caravelle110,468 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationE197 XWJ
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1988
ColourBrown
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,915cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

16 pass 15 fail
Pass 6 Aug 2025 75,910 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread starting to de-laminate (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush play in bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush play in bush (5.3.2 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread starting to de-laminate (0.1 (b))

Fail 30 Jul 2025 75,877 miles

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt split open (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread starting to de-laminate (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush play in bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush play in bush (5.3.2 (c))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread starting to de-laminate (0.1 (b))

Pass 6 Aug 2024 73,754 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Position lamp light intensity obviously reduced (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

fuel filter/pump rubber hose perished

rear boot lid corroded but not likely to cause injury

vehicles rear brakes have slight uneven application

Pass 1 Aug 2023 71,996 miles

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 10 Aug 2022 70,310 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp light intensity obviously reduced (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

o/s/r directional lamp light intensity slightly reduced

Pass 6 Aug 2021 68,443 miles

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Fail 2 Aug 2021 68,414 miles

Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Rear Position lamp has a product on the lens or light source which significantly reduces light intensity (4.2.3 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Fail 18 Aug 2020 68,399 miles

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect no beam immage to test also seems exessivly low / unable to adjust (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Outer Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill holed almost all of the way along (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill end cap holed (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill holed (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread peeling (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement doughnut bust split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Inner wheel rim has evidence of rubbing on hub

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear parking brake weak on this side

Offside Front Inner wheel rim has evidence of rubbing on hub

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear both rear number plate lamp outer lenses missing

Fail 13 Aug 2020 68,387 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced outer sill panel (6.1.1 (c) (i))

both front wheels showing signs of fouling suspension / hub assemblies

Nearside Front N/S BRAKE HOSE FOULING ON ROAD WHEEL

Offside Front BRAKE HOSE FOULING ON ROAD WHEEL

Fail 3 Aug 2020 68,369 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded hose to wheel cylinder (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded hose to wheel cylinder (1.1.11 (c))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Rear reflector reflecting white to the rear both reflectors (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material hose to calliper (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material hose to calliper (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced outer sill panel (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

both front wheels showing signs of fouling suspension / hub assemblies

Pass 5 Aug 2019 66,413 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp light intensity obviously reduced (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn both front tie rod bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play both front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

o/s outer sill corroded but not regarded as structural or excessive

steering rack mounting bushes deteriorated

Fail 30 Jul 2019 66,311 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp light intensity obviously reduced (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn both front tie rod bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play both front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

o/s outer sill corroded but not regarded as structural or excessive

o/s wiper split but clearing screen

steering rack mounting bushes deteriorated

Pass 25 May 2018 61,860 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn Track control arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn tie bar bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn wishbone (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn Track control arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 21 May 2018 61,793 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers insecurely attached (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers insecurely attached (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn Track control arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn tie bar bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn wishbone (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn Track control arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 8 Apr 2017 57,439 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Fail 6 Apr 2017 57,439 miles

Electrical wiring insecure under rear seat all exposed (1.9.2a)

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working side-lamp (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not illuminating the registration plate faded and lamp loose (1.1.C.1e)

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 5 Aug 2015 57,417 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

o/s/r tyre inner sidewall slightly run flat

Pass 13 Jun 2014 56,839 miles
Fail 4 Jun 2014 56,839 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front Lower Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Nearside Front Upper Front suspension has slight play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 25 Aug 2012 53,609 miles

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Fail 17 Aug 2012 53,587 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 18 Aug 2011 47,023 miles

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Fail 16 Aug 2011 47,023 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Pass 12 Aug 2010 39,258 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

handbrake travel

Fail 11 Aug 2010 39,233 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 14 Aug 2009 32,788 miles

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

nearside front lower ball joint boot split

nearside handbrake cable not cliped in

nearside handbrake cable outter casing fraying

Fail 13 Aug 2009 32,788 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose has insufficient room to move, resulting in fouling on any part (3.6.B.4a)

Nearside Front Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

nearside front lower ball joint boot split

nearside handbrake cable not cliped in

nearside handbrake cable outter casing fraying

Fail 17 Jun 2009 32,788 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Brake hose has insufficient room to move, resulting in fouling on any part (3.6.B.4a)

Nearside Front Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Nearside Front Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.4.A.2h)

Nearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Front Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.4.A.2h)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

off side rear back plate damp

Pass 21 Jan 2008 32,788 miles

Nearside front brake grabbing slightly (3.7.A.2b)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Fail 6 Nov 2007 32,788 miles

Nearside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Steering column top bearing excessively worn (2.1.2c)

Pass 1 Nov 2006 27,275 miles

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Caravelle?

Based on 422,168 MOT tests across 24,962 vehicles.

71.2%
Pass Rate
5,286
Miles/Year
43
Year Lifespan
24,962
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Registration plate lamp not working 8,177
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 6,845
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 6,266
Brake pipe excessively corroded 5,996
position lamp(s) not working 4,827
Full Volkswagen Caravelle reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

E197 XWJ is a 1988 Volkswagen Caravelle in Brown with a 1,915cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 51.6%.

Across all 1988 Volkswagen Caravelle models, the average MOT pass rate is 71.2% with a typical mileage of 110,468 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Volkswagen Caravelle fails its MOT is registration plate lamp not working, accounting for 8,177 recorded failures. If you're considering buying E197 XWJ, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Caravelle typically stays on UK roads for around 43 years. At 38 years old, this Volkswagen Caravelle is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of E197 XWJ?

You can check the full history of E197 XWJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was E197 XWJ registered?

E197 XWJ is a 1988 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 1 April 1988.

Is E197 XWJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for E197 XWJ shows 31 tests with a 51.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does E197 XWJ have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on E197 XWJ. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.