CarVerify

Free Car Check

N538 EDT

1996 Volkswagen Lt

White Diesel 2384cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires17 Jul 2027
Tests29 (16 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate55.2%

Mileage

151,634 mi
Last recorded151,634 miles
Recorded on10 Jul 2026
Typical for 1996 Volkswagen Lt127,418 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationN538 EDT
MakeVolkswagen
ModelLt
Year1996
ColourWhite
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,384cc

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 13 fail
Pass 10 Jul 2026 151,634 miles

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

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

Fail 2 Jul 2026 151,527 miles

Brake cable damaged Worn by prop shaft (1.1.15 (a))

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Central Exhaust bracket deteriorated

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

Pass 18 Jul 2025 150,250 miles
Fail 18 Jul 2025 150,247 miles

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Pass 6 Nov 2020 147,727 miles

Body corroded in multiple places

Handbrake effort low

N/S sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S/F Inner and outer sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S/R Inner and outer arch corroded but not within prescribed area

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

O/S/F Inner and outer sill corroded but not within prescribed area

O/S/R inner and outer arch corroded but not within prescribed area

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

Fail 23 Oct 2020 147,626 miles

Central Prop shaft bearing excessively worn (6.1.7 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Prop shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Registration plate lamp missing in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Body corroded in multiple places

Handbrake effort low

N/S sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S/F Inner and outer sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S/R Inner and outer arch corroded but not within prescribed area

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

O/S/F Inner and outer sill corroded but not within prescribed area

O/S/R inner and outer arch corroded but not within prescribed area

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

Pass 29 Oct 2019 142,391 miles

Body underneath corroded but not within prescribed area

Hand brake effort low

N/S Sill corroded but not within prescribed area

N/S/F Inner and outer sill corroded but not within prescribed area

O/S sill corroded but not within prescribed area

O/S/F Inner & Outer sill corroded but not within prescribed area

O/S/R inner and outer arch corroded but not within prescribed area

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

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

Pass 31 Aug 2018 128,736 miles

Body underneath corroded but nothing in prescribed area

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

N/S inner sills corroded but not in prescribed area

Nearside Front Inner and outer arch corroded but not in prescribed area

O/S inner sills corroded but not in prescribed area

Offside Front Inner and outer arch corrded but not in prescribed area

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

Pass 23 Jan 2017 125,663 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 9 Sep 2016 125,632 miles

Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner sill (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner valance (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill (2.4.A.3)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Offside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Rear inner valance but just outside prescribed area rusty

Offside inner sill various points but outside prescribed area

Rear cross member rusty but just outside prescribed area

Pass 24 Aug 2015 125,358 miles

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle body has corrosion in varies places

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Oil leak from engine compartment

Fail 21 Aug 2015 125,350 miles

Horn emits two or more alternating tones (1.6.2d)

Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by damage Headlamp surround (6.1.C.1)

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Vehicle body has corrosion in varies places

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Oil leak from engine compartment

Pass 10 Sep 2014 124,036 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

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

Offside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

Offside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

Oil leak

Play in prop-shaft centre bearing

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

Fail 5 Sep 2014 124,028 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision incomplete (3.3.A.1b)

Horn is a siren (1.6.2c)

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside rear parking (secondary) brakes imbalanced (3.7.B.6b)

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

Offside Front Direction indicator has less than 50% of the light sources illuminating (1.4.A.2c)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

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

Offside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

Offside Rear Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.B.2)

Oil leak

Play in prop-shaft centre bearing

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

Fail 29 Aug 2014 124,001 miles

Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Pass 23 Aug 2013 122,537 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

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

Oil leak

front springs not fully visible

play in n/s/f tie rod arm

Pass 24 Aug 2012 120,692 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Oil leak

all general corrosion

nearside front tyre has kerbing daage also worn on outer edge

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 22 Aug 2012 120,687 miles

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

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

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

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Oil leak

all general corrosion

nearside front tyre has kerbing daage also worn on outer edge

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 26 Aug 2011 118,770 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Oil leak

all general corrosion

corrosion outside 30cm radius of nearside rear suspension

Pass 2 Sep 2010 116,693 miles

All corrosion

General wear

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Rear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Fail 24 Jun 2010 116,621 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

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

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

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

All corrosion

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

General wear

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front Tie bar/rod has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 23 Jun 2009 113,043 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 22 Jun 2009 113,040 miles

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

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

Offside Front coil spring cracked (2.4.C.1a)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 24 Jun 2008 109,526 miles
Fail 23 Jun 2008 109,522 miles

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Offside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Fail 28 Jun 2007 104,724 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

engine oil leak on oil filter side

rear axle seals showing signs of seepage onto back plate

Pass 28 Jun 2007 104,724 miles

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

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

engine oil leak on oil filter side

rear axle seals showing signs of seepage onto back plate

Fail 26 Jun 2006 99,113 miles

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

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

Pass 26 Jun 2006 99,113 miles

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

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Lt?

Based on 549,592 MOT tests across 45,159 vehicles.

65.2%
Pass Rate
6,396
Miles/Year
39
Year Lifespan
45,159
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 51,116
position lamp(s) not working 19,926
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 19,126
Stop lamp not working 18,682
Headlamp not working on dipped beam 15,828
Full Volkswagen Lt reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

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

N538 EDT is a 1996 Volkswagen Lt in White with a 2,384cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.2%.

Across all 1996 Volkswagen Lt models, the average MOT pass rate is 62.0% with a typical mileage of 127,418 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 Lt fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 51,116 recorded failures. If you're considering buying N538 EDT, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Lt typically stays on UK roads for around 39 years. At 30 years old, this Volkswagen Lt is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of N538 EDT?

You can check the full history of N538 EDT by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N538 EDT registered?

N538 EDT is a 1996 Volkswagen Lt, first registered on 6 June 1996.

Is N538 EDT safe to buy?

The MOT history for N538 EDT shows 29 tests with a 55.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N538 EDT 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 N538 EDT. 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.