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L997 VAM

1993 Talbot Express

White Diesel 2500cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires2 Jul 2026
Tests31 (19 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate61.3%

Mileage

103,686 mi
Last recorded103,686 miles
Recorded on3 Jul 2025
Typical for 1993 Talbot Express66,330 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationL997 VAM
MakeTalbot
ModelExpress
Year1993
ColourWhite
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,500cc

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

19 pass 12 fail
Pass 3 Jul 2025 103,686 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 28 Jun 2024 98,989 miles
Pass 11 Feb 2022 98,595 miles
Fail 11 Feb 2022 98,593 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

Pass 12 Feb 2021 97,746 miles
Pass 23 Jul 2019 96,144 miles
Pass 10 Jul 2018 94,091 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all (1.1.11 (c))

Coil spring corroded both front (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Gearbox mounting defective ()

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

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Rear Service brake requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair (1.2.1 (c))

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

both blades smearing screen

both rear leaf springs corroded

Fail 20 Jun 2018 94,082 miles

Brake cable insecure front part of cable lying on top of exhaust and starting to melt outer sheaf (1.1.15 (c))

Exhaust system insecure rubbers missing and others perishing allowing excess movement (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Parking brake mechanism/associated mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor pan next to hand brake cable where it passes through floor (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced outrigger from chassis leg at join with inner sill (marked in chalk) (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp aim so that beam "kick up" is not visible on the screen no pattern/image (4.1.2 (a))

Spare wheel carrier insecure spare wheel located under bonnet and not held in place allowing excessive movement (6.1.5 (a))

Nearside Front Passenger's seat insecure swivel seats locks in position but when shook releases itself (6.2.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material various brake pipes been greased not allowing full inspection (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases front pipe has thin fracture after manifold join (6.1.2 (a))

Front Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached slightly insecure (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Gearbox mounting defective ()

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both brake pipes into flexis (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced outrigger from chassis leg where joins inner sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn shocky bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both brake pipes into flexis (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

Rear both rear leaf springs slightly worn but not seriously weakened

steering/suspension slightly notchy when turning front wheels by hand

Pass 23 Jun 2017 90,594 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded x2 (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded x2 (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 23 Jun 2017 90,594 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (3.6.G.2)

Emissions not tested (7.3.A.1)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

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

Nearside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

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

Offside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded arch (2.4.A.3)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded x2 (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded x2 (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Pass 5 Aug 2016 89,882 miles

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

Fail 3 Aug 2016 89,882 miles

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

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

Pass 6 Aug 2015 86,010 miles

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

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

Fail 5 Aug 2015 86,010 miles

Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

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

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

Exhaust tail section missing and gas releasing under vehicle.

Pass 7 Aug 2014 82,552 miles

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

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

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

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

Offside rear brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Oil leak

Fail 5 Aug 2014 82,550 miles

Front Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside front brake excessively fluctuating (3.7.B.3)

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

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

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

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

Offside rear brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Oil leak

Pass 25 Jul 2013 79,502 miles

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

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Fail 24 Jul 2013 79,500 miles

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

Nearside Rear Upper Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

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

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Pass 16 Jul 2012 74,691 miles

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Fail 16 Jul 2012 74,691 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

Offside Front position lamp(s) has less than 50% of the light sources illuminating (1.1.A.3b)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 3 Aug 2011 71,314 miles

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

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

Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

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

Oil leak

Fail 28 Jul 2011 71,312 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area in excess of a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Hand Brake Cable Fouling Exhaust

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

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

Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

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

Oil leak

Pass 31 May 2010 68,910 miles

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Offside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Oil leak

load sensing valve may not be operating correctly

Fail 27 May 2010 68,910 miles

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

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Offside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Oil leak

load sensing valve may not be operating correctly

Pass 27 May 2009 62,592 miles

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

Nearside Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Fail 27 May 2009 62,592 miles

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

Nearside Front Upper Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Nearside Rear Upper Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Nearside Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Offside Rear Upper Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 10 Jun 2008 56,642 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

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

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1b)

Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Pass 29 Aug 2007 56,334 miles
Fail 28 Aug 2007 56,327 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Pass 21 Aug 2006 54,507 miles

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

os /ns rear spring spacers displaced and missing

Pass 21 Jul 2005 47,342 miles

How Reliable is the Talbot Express?

Based on 171,025 MOT tests across 8,371 vehicles.

65.4%
Pass Rate
1,204
Miles/Year
41
Year Lifespan
8,371
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 6,812
Brake pipe excessively corroded 6,026
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 4,909
Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 4,861
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 4,297
Full Talbot Express reliability report

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L997 VAM is a 1993 Talbot Express in White with a 2,500cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.3%.

Across all 1993 Talbot Express models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.9% with a typical mileage of 66,330 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 Talbot Express fails its MOT is suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 6,812 recorded failures. If you're considering buying L997 VAM, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Talbot Express typically stays on UK roads for around 41 years. At 33 years old, this Talbot Express is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of L997 VAM?

You can check the full history of L997 VAM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L997 VAM registered?

L997 VAM is a 1993 Talbot Express, first registered on 7 October 1993.

Is L997 VAM safe to buy?

The MOT history for L997 VAM shows 31 tests with a 61.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L997 VAM 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 L997 VAM. 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.