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P231 RBA

1997 Volkswagen Multivan

Red Diesel 2370cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires27 Jun 2024
Tests19 (9 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate47.4%

Mileage

413,640 mi
Last recorded413,640 miles
Recorded on28 Jun 2023
Typical for 1997 Volkswagen Multivan160,104 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP231 RBA
MakeVolkswagen
ModelMultivan
Year1997
ColourRed
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,370cc
View full Volkswagen Multivan reliability data

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

9 pass 10 fail
Pass 28 Jun 2023 413,640 miles

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

Fail 5 Jun 2023 413,618 miles

Central Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Fuel cap/sealing device missing no key provided to check seal (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre(s) of different sizes are fitted on the same axle. (5.2.3 (b))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced in arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced in arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced behind bumper support (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed 235/45/17 (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick down to metal (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Brake damaged, but the braking system is not adversely affected backing plate trapped between wheel and caliper (1.1.21 (a) (i))

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

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

rear bumper support badly corroded

Pass 9 Jun 2022 403,303 miles

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

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

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 235/45/17 (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Fail 7 Jun 2022 403,303 miles

Horn sound not in accordance with requirements (7.7 (c))

Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Towbar component excessively corroded (6.1.6 (a))

Vehicle structure is so weakened by corrosion within 30cm of a towbar mounting, the towbar is likely to become detached (6.1.6 (i) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 235/45/17 (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Fail 19 Jan 2022 403,293 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Towbar component excessively corroded (6.1.6 (a))

Towbar component excessively damaged (6.1.6 (a))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 235/45/17 (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 20 Jan 2021 397,817 miles

Nearside Front CHASSIS OUTSIDE OF FRONT PRESCRIBED AREA (VERY BADLY CORRODED)

Offside Front SUSPENSION OUT SIDE OF PRESCRIBED AREA

Fail 19 Jan 2021 397,817 miles

Exhaust on a vehicle fitted with a diesel particulate filter emits visible smoke of any colour EXCESS BLACK SMOKE SMOKE TEST ABORTED (8.2.2.2 (d))

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

Nearside Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front Outer Road wheel badly distorted EDGE (5.2.2 (c) (i))

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength SILL REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION MOUNT (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Exhaust system insecure VERY BADLY REPAIRED (TIN CAN USED REAR SECTION LOOSE AND BLOWING ) (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed 235/45/17 (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment RACK END VERY BADLY WORN (2.1.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Towbar is so weakened by corrosion within 30cm of a towbar mounting, the towbar is likely to become detached (6.1.6 (i) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD INSECURE

Nearside Front CHASSIS OUTSIDE OF FRONT PRESCRIBED AREA (VERY BADLY CORRODED)

Nearside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play RACK END (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside STEERING RACK GAITER TWISTED

Offside Front SUSPENSION OUT SIDE OF PRESCRIBED AREA

Pass 16 Dec 2019 387,300 miles

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

Nearside Front Chassis leg corroded in none prescribed area

Nearside Front Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Steering rack is worn, no excessive free play detected at the steering wheel

Tow bar corroded, not considered excessive

Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Fail 14 Dec 2019 387,300 miles

Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

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

Nearside Headlamp aim not tested (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Tailgate cannot be secured in the closed position (6.2.1 (e))

Nearside Rear Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure tread area (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Front Chassis leg corroded in none prescribed area

Nearside Front Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Steering rack is worn, no excessive free play detected at the steering wheel

Tow bar corroded, not considered excessive

Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Pass 19 Dec 2018 362,123 miles

Nearside Front chassis leg end has corrosion,not prescribed area

Offside Front inner wheel arch has corrosion,not prescribed area

Fail 15 Dec 2018 361,797 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))

Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust heat shield loose

Nearside Front chassis leg end has corrosion,not prescribed area

Offside Front inner wheel arch has corrosion,not prescribed area

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material to caliper (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 14 Dec 2017 343,089 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded rear of fuel tank and to o/s/r flexi pipe (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front chassis leg end has corrosion,not prescribed area

Offside Front inner wheel arch has corrosion,not prescribed area

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

Fail 13 Dec 2017 343,089 miles

Emissions not tested due to exhaust leak (7.3.A.1)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Front registration plate not fixed vertically, or as close to vertical as is reasonably practical (6.3.2c)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Rear coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Brake pipe slightly corroded rear of fuel tank and to o/s/r flexi pipe (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front chassis leg end has corrosion,not prescribed area

Offside Front inner wheel arch has corrosion,not prescribed area

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

Pass 12 Jan 2017 326,625 miles

Coolant leak ()

Exhaust system deterioated

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

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

Fail 3 Jan 2017 326,585 miles

Front Brake cable has wires broken and is significantly weakened (3.5.1b)

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

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

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

Coolant leak ()

Exhaust system deterioated

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

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

Pass 8 Jan 2016 306,911 miles

Exhaust system deterioated

Front Brake cable has wires broken but is not significantly weakened (3.5.1b)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Brake disc inner face pitted and corroded

Fail 21 Dec 2015 306,890 miles

Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive various holes/corrosion but not in prescribed area (2.4.A.3)

Pass 23 Dec 2014 288,006 miles
Fail 20 Dec 2014 287,971 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Multivan?

Based on 9,554 MOT tests across 618 vehicles.

68.3%
Pass Rate
4,129
Miles/Year
56
Year Lifespan
618
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Registration plate lamp not working 220
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 214
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 213
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside 209
Stop lamp not working 193
Full Volkswagen Multivan 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.

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P231 RBA is a 1997 Volkswagen Multivan in Red with a 2,370cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 19 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 47.4%.

Across all 1997 Volkswagen Multivan models, the average MOT pass rate is 62.8% with a typical mileage of 160,104 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 Multivan fails its MOT is registration plate lamp not working, accounting for 220 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P231 RBA, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Multivan typically stays on UK roads for around 56 years. At 29 years old, this Volkswagen Multivan is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P231 RBA?

You can check the full history of P231 RBA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P231 RBA registered?

P231 RBA is a 1997 Volkswagen Multivan, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is P231 RBA safe to buy?

The MOT history for P231 RBA shows 19 tests with a 47.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P231 RBA 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 P231 RBA. 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.