CarVerify

Free Car Check

R331 LHP

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle

Blue Diesel 2459cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Sep 2027
Tests33 (19 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate57.6%

Mileage

229,784 mi
Last recorded229,784 miles
Recorded on24 Sep 2026
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

RegistrationR331 LHP
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1997
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

19 pass 14 fail
Pass 24 Sep 2026 229,784 miles

Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both front tyres under 3mm and bald on outer edge (5.2.3 (e))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced offside and nearside lower sills slightly corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced offside and nearside rear wheel arches slightly corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive rear arm mount area corroded (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 17 Sep 2025 227,967 miles
Fail 21 Jul 2025 227,950 miles

Brake load sensing valve seized but ABS functioning (1.1.17 (c) (i))

Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

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

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 Upper Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength x13 places all marked (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension component ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

fuel tank strap slight corrosion

underside of vehicle surface corrosion

Fail 14 Feb 2024 227,941 miles

Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner arch to outrigger (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner wheel arch by jacking point (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated on trailing arm (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner tub (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength by trailing arm mounting point (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Inner sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Inner wheel arch by jacking point (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner arch to outrigger (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner wing to outrigger (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced upper wheel arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength rear of subframe mounting point (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced mid inner sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength upper tub by trailing arm mounting point (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced crash bar (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Brake load sensing valve seized and ABS not fitted or inoperative (1.1.17 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Central Front Upper Driver's view to the front outside the swept area of the windscreen wipers restricted by an obstruction (3.1 (a) (i))

Exhaust mounting defective rear by back box (6.1.2 (a))

Front Driver's view Items removed from driver's view prior to test (3.1 (a) (ii))

Front Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

Fuel tank slightly loose Middle tank strap excessively corroded (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported flexi to hard pipe insecure (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Obligatory mirror slightly loose (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated on trailing arm (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Rear Reverse light not working

Pass 7 Dec 2022 223,419 miles

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

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

Fail 7 Dec 2022 223,419 miles

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

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

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

Pass 17 Dec 2021 221,713 miles

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting inner valance (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

Fail 10 Dec 2021 221,713 miles

Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases and rear (6.1.2 (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 Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting inner valance (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

Pass 15 Dec 2020 219,549 miles
Fail 15 Dec 2020 219,549 miles

Offside Front Inner Drag link end ball joint has excessive play rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Pass 17 Dec 2019 217,485 miles
Fail 17 Dec 2019 217,485 miles

Dipswitch does not operate immediately when selected on dipped beam (4.1.3 (b))

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Pass 16 Jan 2019 214,890 miles
Fail 11 Jan 2019 214,470 miles

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

Pass 18 Jan 2018 210,822 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner and outer sills (2.4.A.3)

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

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

Offside Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner and outer sills (2.4.A.3)

spare wheel carrier corroded

Fail 17 Jan 2018 210,822 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner and outer sills (2.4.A.3)

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

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

Offside Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner and outer sills (2.4.A.3)

spare wheel carrier corroded

Pass 11 Jan 2017 208,006 miles

front and rear brake pipes show signs of corrosion

oil leak

Fail 11 Jan 2017 208,006 miles

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

front and rear brake pipes show signs of corrosion

oil leak

Pass 15 Jan 2016 205,613 miles

some corossion in sills and chassis

Pass 28 Aug 2014 203,759 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Fail 21 Aug 2014 203,759 miles

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

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

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

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

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

Pass 14 Aug 2013 201,928 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

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

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

leak off pipe damp

Pass 15 Aug 2012 190,707 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 6 Aug 2012 190,707 miles

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

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

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 4 Aug 2011 183,696 miles
Pass 12 Mar 2010 177,714 miles
Pass 18 Mar 2009 169,629 miles

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

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Fail 16 Mar 2009 169,533 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Rear Brake cable has wires broken and is significantly weakened (3.5.1b) DANGEROUS

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.D.4) DANGEROUS

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

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Smoke readings may vary when exhaust repaired

Pass 12 Mar 2008 163,631 miles
Fail 7 Mar 2008 163,405 miles

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

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

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

Pass 8 Mar 2007 153,287 miles
Pass 8 Mar 2006 142,033 miles
Fail 7 Mar 2006 142,033 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

nearside front upper ball joint boot spilt

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

R331 LHP is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle in Blue with a 2,459cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.6%.

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 R331 LHP, 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 R331 LHP?

You can check the full history of R331 LHP by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R331 LHP registered?

R331 LHP is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is R331 LHP safe to buy?

The MOT history for R331 LHP shows 33 tests with a 57.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R331 LHP 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 R331 LHP. 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.