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R208 SJM

1998 Volkswagen Caravelle

Blue Diesel 2459cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Dec 2026
Tests41 (21 pass, 20 fail)
Pass rate51.2%

Mileage

323,660 mi
Last recorded323,660 miles
Recorded on20 Nov 2025
Typical for 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle151,130 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR208 SJM
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1998
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,459cc

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

21 pass 20 fail
Pass 20 Nov 2025 323,660 miles

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

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

rear floor badly corroded

underside of vehicle corroded

Fail 18 Nov 2025 323,658 miles

Front Fuel system component leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded to flex (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

rear floor badly corroded

underside of vehicle corroded

Pass 10 Dec 2024 321,805 miles

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

underside corroded

Fail 2 Dec 2024 321,805 miles

Exhaust system insecure heat sheild (6.1.2 (a))

Fuel system component leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Fuel tank insecure fuel filter (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Upper Suspension component attachment bracket/mounting corroded and seriously weakened shock mounting (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 7 Dec 2023 320,059 miles

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Inner wheel arch corroded out of prescribed areas

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

sills corroded but out of prescribed areas

Fail 27 Nov 2023 320,057 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Inner wheel arch corroded out of prescribed areas

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

sills corroded but out of prescribed areas

Pass 6 Dec 2022 317,971 miles

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

Fail 29 Nov 2022 317,970 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Offside Front Outer 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 buckle not functioning as intended jammed (7.1.2 (d))

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

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

Pass 3 Dec 2021 312,602 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

underside corroded

Fail 22 Nov 2021 312,597 miles

Front Position lamp switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements front position lamps don't switch on with the rear (4.2.2 (a))

Nearside Front Engine mounting bracket damaged or deteriorated resulting in excessive movement prescribed area corroded (6.1.8 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively damaged significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

underside corroded

Pass 25 Nov 2020 304,145 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 25 Nov 2020 304,144 miles

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 22 Oct 2019 296,525 miles

Both handbrake rods corroded

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

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

OSR suspension mounting shows signs of corrosion

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Steering rack mounting rubbers deteriorated

Fail 21 Oct 2019 296,524 miles

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

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Both handbrake rods corroded

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

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

OSR suspension mounting shows signs of corrosion

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Steering rack mounting rubbers deteriorated

Pass 6 Dec 2018 285,771 miles

Both handbrake rods corroded

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

OSR suspension mounting shows signs of corrosion

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Slight play in steering rack mountings

Fail 4 Dec 2018 285,769 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Both handbrake rods corroded

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

OSR suspension mounting shows signs of corrosion

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Slight play in steering rack mountings

Pass 1 Dec 2017 275,753 miles

Both handbrake rods corroded

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

OSR suspension mounting area shows signs of corrosion

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

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

Oil leak ()

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Fail 28 Nov 2017 275,752 miles

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

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

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

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

Both handbrake rods corroded

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Pass 1 Dec 2016 263,881 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Oil leak ()

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Fail 18 Nov 2016 263,851 miles

Brake load sensing valve seized (3.6.E.3)

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

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

Oil leak ()

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Pass 30 Nov 2015 252,354 miles

Both front chassis corroded

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

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

Oil leak

Slight play in steering rack ends

Fail 27 Nov 2015 252,352 miles

Brake load sensing valve seized (3.6.E.3)

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

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

Both front chassis corroded

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

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

Oil leak

Slight play in steering rack ends

Pass 25 Nov 2014 241,519 miles

Both inner sills under van corroded

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Pass 15 Nov 2013 233,804 miles

Both inner sills under van corroded

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

Fail 15 Nov 2013 233,803 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

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

Both inner sills under van corroded

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

Pass 5 Dec 2012 230,790 miles

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Fail 27 Nov 2012 230,789 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

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

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Front brake discs worn

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Rear brake discs badly worn suggest replacement

Pass 13 Dec 2011 223,018 miles

Front and rear brake discs worn

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

Fail 12 Dec 2011 223,016 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Front and rear brake discs worn

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

Pass 18 Nov 2010 218,277 miles

NS inner driveshaft boot split

Rear discs worn

Pass 18 Nov 2009 207,556 miles

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

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

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

Fail 16 Nov 2009 207,550 miles

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

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

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

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

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

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

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

Pass 20 Nov 2008 200,831 miles

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)

offside front brake binding slightly.

Fail 19 Nov 2008 200,829 miles

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

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)

offside front brake binding slightly.

Fail 19 Nov 2008 200,829 miles

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

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

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)

Pass 19 Oct 2007 192,139 miles
Fail 16 Oct 2007 192,085 miles

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

Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

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

Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush (2.5.B.2b) DANGEROUS

Pass 2 Oct 2006 183,021 miles
Fail 27 Sep 2006 183,021 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Pass 6 Jan 2006 179,125 miles
Fail 5 Jan 2006 179,042 miles

Centre Rear Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

R208 SJM is a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle in Blue with a 2,459cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 41 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 51.2%.

Across all 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.1% with a typical mileage of 151,130 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 R208 SJM, 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 28 years old, this Volkswagen Caravelle is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R208 SJM?

You can check the full history of R208 SJM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R208 SJM registered?

R208 SJM is a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 2 January 1998.

Is R208 SJM safe to buy?

The MOT history for R208 SJM shows 41 tests with a 51.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R208 SJM 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 R208 SJM. 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.