CarVerify

Free Car Check

R214 BDA

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle

Grey Diesel 2370cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires11 Aug 2026
Tests36 (19 pass, 17 fail)
Pass rate52.8%

Mileage

277,952 mi
Last recorded277,952 miles
Recorded on12 Aug 2025
Typical for 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle141,911 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

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

RegistrationR214 BDA
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1997
ColourGrey
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,370cc

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 17 fail
Pass 12 Aug 2025 277,952 miles

Nearside Entrance/exit step in a deteriorated condition (9.7 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch radiator support (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Entrance/exit step in a deteriorated condition (9.7 (a) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch /radiator support (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 8 Aug 2025 277,952 miles

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Entrance/exit step in a deteriorated condition (9.7 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch radiator support (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Entrance/exit step in a deteriorated condition (9.7 (a) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch /radiator support (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 25 Apr 2024 272,802 miles

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security by radiator mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security by radiator mount (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Fail 16 Apr 2024 272,299 miles

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced x 2 (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected suspension mount (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected suspension mount (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security by radiator mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security by radiator mount (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Pass 4 May 2023 270,485 miles
Fail 27 Apr 2023 270,485 miles

Fluid leak harmful to the environment or a risk to other road users coolant leak (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective such that the emitted light is adversely affected showing white light to rear (4.4.1 (b) (ii))

Pass 12 Apr 2022 267,432 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Floor above exhaust. Not within 300mm of suspension mounting at time of test (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal Front and rear at subframe / suspension mounting points, applied to previous repairs (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Fail 11 Apr 2022 267,431 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play Tie rod / steering arm ball joint (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp Bulb fitted incorrectly. Wrong way around (4.3.3 (b))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases At bracket on catalyst (6.1.2 (a))

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

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin Very close to limit (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Floor above exhaust. Not within 300mm of suspension mounting at time of test (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Parking brake cable guide on front cable worn. Cable will soon be catching metal edge

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal Front and rear at subframe / suspension mounting points, applied to previous repairs (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge All four (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 7 May 2021 260,130 miles

All repairs have been undersealed

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

Front Subframe mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

NSR brake cable has slight restriction

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Rear Subframe mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Fail 6 May 2021 260,130 miles

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

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

All repairs have been undersealed

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

Front Subframe mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

NSR brake cable has slight restriction

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Rear Subframe mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 21 Feb 2019 258,858 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

exhaust heat shield lose

general underside corrosion and also covered with thick layer of under-seal

Fail 2 Aug 2018 258,828 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner wing front and back (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill front and rear (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting rear cross member (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm rears both (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge n/s & o/s close to limit (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Front Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ALL rears ()

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Fail 3 May 2018 258,756 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill (5.2.6)

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

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

exhaust shield insecure

front bumper cross member heavily cordded

rear cross member heavily corroded

slight play n/s steering arm

Pass 10 May 2017 251,522 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Upper Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

rear brake pipes covered in grease unable to see condition clearly

Pass 18 May 2016 244,013 miles

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

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

Pass 15 May 2015 237,504 miles
Pass 16 May 2014 232,066 miles

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

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

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

Fail 13 May 2014 232,066 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 10 May 2013 227,040 miles
Fail 9 May 2013 227,036 miles

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

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

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

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

Brake servo corroded but not excessively weakened (3.6.A.2b)

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

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

exhaust system rust

front tyres worn on inner edges recommend renew

Pass 11 May 2012 222,110 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Fail 10 May 2012 222,110 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Steering rack insecure (2.2.B.1a)

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Pass 11 May 2011 217,002 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Oil leak

nearside rear outer sill slightly corroded

offside rear inner sill slightly corroded

steering rack mounting bushes deteriorated

suspension joint nearside front upper dust cover split/missing

suspension joint offside front upper dust cover split/missing

Fail 10 May 2011 217,002 miles

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

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Oil leak

nearside rear outer sill slightly corroded

offside rear inner sill slightly corroded

steering rack mounting bushes deteriorated

suspension joint nearside front upper dust cover split/missing

suspension joint offside front upper dust cover split/missing

Fail 26 Apr 2011 216,719 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Steering rack insecure (2.2.B.1a)

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

Oil leak

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

Suspension joint nearside upper dust cover split/missing

Suspension joint offside upper dust cover split/missing

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 6 Aug 2010 212,229 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b)

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

Oil leak

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 5 Aug 2010 212,224 miles

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b)

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

Oil leak

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

rear brake discs slightly pitted

rear brake discs slightly worn

Pass 10 Aug 2009 202,581 miles

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

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

Fail 22 Jul 2009 201,861 miles

Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

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

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Rear Brake load sensing valve linkage defective and function impaired (3.6.E.3)

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)

Pass 29 Jul 2008 190,341 miles

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

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

noise coming from offside front suspension possibly upper ball joint

steering rack oily

Fail 28 Jul 2008 190,341 miles

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

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

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

noise coming from offside front suspension possibly upper ball joint

steering rack oily

Pass 10 Aug 2007 182,091 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

front number plate slightly discoloured

offside anti roll bar linkage bush slightly worn

oil spray brake pipes

Fail 9 Aug 2007 182,091 miles

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

front number plate slightly discoloured

oil spray brake pipes

Pass 17 Jul 2006 168,004 miles

Nearside Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Pass 3 Aug 2005 160,763 miles
Fail 2 Aug 2005 160,754 miles

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

Nearside Front Direction indicator excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

Offside Front Direction indicator excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

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

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

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

R214 BDA is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle in Grey with a 2,370cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 52.8%.

Across all 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.1% with a typical mileage of 141,911 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 R214 BDA, 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 29 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 R214 BDA?

You can check the full history of R214 BDA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R214 BDA registered?

R214 BDA is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is R214 BDA safe to buy?

The MOT history for R214 BDA shows 36 tests with a 52.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R214 BDA 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 R214 BDA. 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.