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ELG 866S

1978 Volkswagen Motor Caravan

White Petrol 1600cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires5 Apr 2027
Tests35 (20 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

58,048 mi
Last recorded58,048 miles
Recorded on13 Mar 2026
Typical for 1978 Volkswagen Motor Caravan44,830 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationELG 866S
MakeVolkswagen
ModelMotor Caravan
Year1978
ColourWhite
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,600cc

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

20 pass 15 fail
Pass 13 Mar 2026 58,048 miles
Pass 7 Mar 2025 56,098 miles

Vehicle heavily undersealed

Pass 8 Mar 2024 52,920 miles

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

corrosion holes both front sections behind steps

vehicle heavily undersealed and corroded

Pass 14 Mar 2023 51,066 miles

Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy both sides (5.1.3 (b) (i))

vehicle under body heavily undersealed

Pass 6 Apr 2022 48,586 miles

under body heavily under sealed

Fail 30 Sep 2021 48,533 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner wheel arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner wheel arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced chassis where engine frame connects (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting chassis (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

under body heavily corroded then under sealed over the top

Pass 21 Oct 2020 46,605 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached chassis corroded and holed (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

rear spare wheel carrier weak and distorted

Pass 20 Jul 2019 45,161 miles

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced roof section-may affect raising roof security (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both rear tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

vehicle underpinnings very corroded

Fail 27 Jun 2019 45,108 miles

Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Upper Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced door pillar holed (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Obligatory mirror insecure (3.3 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill holed (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner wheel arch holed (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Offside Front Brake hose connection leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.12 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

both rear tyres showing signs of perishing

rear seat belts incomplete

Pass 26 Jul 2018 42,901 miles

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

Nearside Rear wheel arch holed at top,repaired with fibreglass-not obviously a prescribed area or structural

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

Offside Rear seatbelt incomplete

various welded repairs covered with underseal preventing complete inspection

Fail 9 Jul 2018 42,843 miles

Nearside Front Floor excessively deteriorated corroded and holed (6.2.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner sill holed and corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced jacking point very weak (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch holed at the top (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Rear seat belt incomplete-rear requirements met

Pass 21 Jul 2017 41,865 miles

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

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Fail 3 Jul 2017 41,824 miles

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

Nearside Front Braking system leaking compensator appears to be leaking (3.6.A.1)

Nearside Rear engine mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (6.1.D.1a)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Rear engine mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (6.1.D.1a)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting cross panel holed (6.6.6)

Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting cross panel holed (6.6.6)

Steering damper leaking oil (2.2.C.1f)

Nearside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded front panel by steering box holed (2.2.C.1h) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

Offside Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion outrigger at jacking point holed (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion crossmember weak and holed (6.1.B.2)

corrosion widespread across various non structural and non prescribed areas under floorpan-may impact on vehicle chassis and body integrity

Pass 6 Jul 2016 41,058 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt cut but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

heavy corrosion behind dashboard under screen and various other points on body and chassis

Fail 6 Jul 2016 41,058 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Seat belt cut but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

heavy corrosion behind dashboard under screen and various other points on body and chassis

Fail 27 Jul 2015 40,476 miles

Centre Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

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

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Pass 27 Jul 2015 40,476 miles

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Centre Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

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

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Fail 29 Jun 2015 40,452 miles

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6) DANGEROUS

Centre Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

underplates fitted on chassis preventing complete insp of chassis

Pass 8 Jul 2014 38,933 miles

Centre Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Fail 27 Jun 2014 38,840 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar vehicle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition (7.1.4)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Centre Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Pass 10 Jul 2013 37,570 miles

Exhaust noisy (7.1.4)

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

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

spare wheel carrier bracket corroded

chassis and body has extensive corrosion at various non prescribed areas liable to deteriorate quickly,requiring attention a.s.a.p e.g n/s/f wh arch,n/s/r wh arch,rear floor bearer,rear floor seam behind gearbox etc

Fail 27 Jun 2013 37,491 miles

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

Nearside Outer Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.4.G.4e)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Steering box has a significant oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Exhaust noisy (7.1.4)

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

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

spare wheel carrier bracket corroded

chassis and body has extensive corrosion at various non prescribed areas liable to deteriorate quickly,requiring attention a.s.a.p e.g n/s/f wh arch,n/s/r wh arch,rear floor bearer,rear floor seam behind gearbox etc

Pass 6 Jul 2012 35,543 miles

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

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

nearside front upper suspension balljoint boot split

repair to offside front cab upper step painted and undersealed after repair,assessed as far as possible,benefit given to presenter.

Fail 28 Jun 2012 35,475 miles

Nearside Front Braking system leaking (3.6.A.1)

Offside Outer Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Nearside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

nearside front upper suspension balljoint boot split

Pass 20 Jul 2011 34,027 miles

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

nearside front cab step corroded

o/s/r bump stop bracket corroded

rear spare wheel frame corroded

Fail 1 Jul 2011 33,940 miles

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

Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Nearside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Front Upper Torsion bar excessive play at an end fixing (2.4.E.2)

Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Inner Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

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

Offside Outer Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Rear registration plate delaminated (6.3.1d)

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

corrosion at various parts of body and chassis,nearside fr step,offside rear inner sill,offside front lower inner valance,generally poor condition.

offside rear suspension bump stop mounting bracket corroded and disintegrated

spare wheel carrier corroded and holed

Pass 15 Jul 2010 32,399 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

corrosion hole engine bay below air box

corrosion holes in floor pan

nearside door mirror glass cracked

offside rear tyre splitting inner wall

Fail 28 Jun 2010 32,399 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Registration plate lamp not illuminating the registration plate (1.1.C.1e)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

offside rear tyre split in inner wall

Pass 23 Jul 2009 31,373 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

small corrosion hole offside rear chassis

Fail 29 Jun 2009 31,373 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)

Offside Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

corrosion hole offside front floor

corrosion holes nearside front inner wheel arch and step

corrosion holes offside front inner wheel arch and step

Pass 30 Jun 2008 29,203 miles

heavy surface corrosion front door steps

nearside front upper ball joint boot split

slight blow from exhaust joints

Pass 25 Jul 2007 27,041 miles
Fail 24 Jul 2007 27,041 miles

Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

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

Fail 2 Jul 2007 26,803 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

Steering column flexible coupling is excessively deteriorated (2.1.5)

nearside rear wheel arch excess corrosion

rear panel box section excess corrosion

Pass 3 Jul 2006 25,438 miles

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Motor Caravan?

Based on 109,687 MOT tests across 8,425 vehicles.

67.5%
Pass Rate
1,075
Miles/Year
56
Year Lifespan
8,425
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 8,888
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 8,044
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 4,769
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings 4,156
position lamp(s) not working 3,700
Full Volkswagen Motor Caravan 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

ELG 866S is a 1978 Volkswagen Motor Caravan in White with a 1,600cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

Across all 1978 Volkswagen Motor Caravan models, the average MOT pass rate is 65.3% with a typical mileage of 44,830 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 Motor Caravan fails its MOT is windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid, accounting for 8,888 recorded failures. If you're considering buying ELG 866S, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Motor Caravan typically stays on UK roads for around 56 years. At 48 years old, this Volkswagen Motor Caravan is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of ELG 866S?

You can check the full history of ELG 866S by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was ELG 866S registered?

ELG 866S is a 1978 Volkswagen Motor Caravan, first registered on 15 June 1978.

Is ELG 866S safe to buy?

The MOT history for ELG 866S shows 35 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does ELG 866S 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 ELG 866S. 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.