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R521 EGJ

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle

Grey Diesel 2459cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Feb 2027
Tests35 (20 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

136,990 mi
Last recorded136,990 miles
Recorded on3 Feb 2026
Typical for 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle141,911 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR521 EGJ
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1997
ColourGrey
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

20 pass 15 fail
Pass 3 Feb 2026 136,990 miles

Coolant leak ()

Fail 30 Jan 2026 136,989 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coolant leak ()

Pass 30 Jan 2025 132,070 miles
Fail 28 Jan 2025 132,070 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner sill,inner wheel arch & sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 17 Jan 2024 129,816 miles

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

Pass 10 Feb 2023 125,642 miles

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

Fail 10 Feb 2023 125,642 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

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

Pass 25 Aug 2021 120,220 miles
Pass 14 Sep 2020 117,155 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 12 Sep 2020 117,154 miles

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

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

Pass 17 Feb 2020 117,131 miles
Fail 9 Aug 2019 117,113 miles

Central Brake pipe excessively corroded and rear (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Prop shaft joint constant velocity boot no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

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

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

Pass 16 Aug 2018 112,033 miles

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

Brake pad(s) wearing thin NSR and OSR (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

NS sliding door runner faulty

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

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

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases rear exhaust section heavily corroded (6.1.2 (a))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 14 Aug 2018 112,023 miles

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

Offside Headlamp aim so that beam "kick up" is not visible on the screen (4.1.2 (a))

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

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

Brake pad(s) wearing thin NSR and OSR (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

NS sliding door runner faulty

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

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

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases rear exhaust section heavily corroded (6.1.2 (a))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 18 Jul 2017 105,518 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.1.2c)

Fail 18 Jul 2017 105,518 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.1.2c)

Pass 12 Aug 2016 93,778 miles
Fail 9 Aug 2016 93,778 miles

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

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

Steering column movement between the shaft and steering wheel (2.1.2b)

Pass 31 Jul 2015 81,706 miles

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

near side rear light lens (repaired)

slight exhaust blow from system

Fail 24 Jul 2015 81,621 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Steering rack insecure (2.2.B.1a) DANGEROUS

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

near side rear light lens (repaired)

slight exhaust blow from system

Pass 8 Aug 2014 72,348 miles

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

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

brake pedal anti slip worn

n/s/f tyre worn on outside edge

play in both front anti roll bar D bush's

Fail 5 Aug 2014 72,347 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Outer Rear Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

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

brake pedal anti slip worn

n/s/f tyre worn on outside edge

play in both front anti roll bar D bush's

Pass 26 Jul 2013 68,405 miles

Brake fluid level below max.

Exhaust cracked at front hanger, and slightly blowing.

Horn control not ideal, centre piece missing.

Nearside rear brake hose end ferulle corroded.

Nearside rear tyre perished.

One retaining bolt missing from spare wheel carrier.

Play in steering column top bush.

Pass 27 Jul 2012 66,512 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 29 Jul 2011 62,522 miles
Fail 28 Jul 2011 62,521 miles

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

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not fitted (1.1.C.1b)

Rear Spare wheel carrier insecure (6.4.2)

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

Front registration plate character(s) likely to be misread (6.3.4b)

Pass 30 Jul 2010 58,450 miles
Fail 30 Jul 2010 58,450 miles

Front Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not fitted (1.1.C.1b)

Pass 22 Jul 2009 52,434 miles
Fail 22 Jul 2009 52,434 miles

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 21 Jul 2008 45,949 miles
Fail 15 Jul 2008 45,949 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

Nearside Front Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

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

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

Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint is insecure (2.5.C.1b)

Offside Power steering component(s) leaking from a failed seal (2.3.3b)

Offside Rear Direction indicator incomplete (1.5.A1b)

Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

Pass 23 Jan 2007 38,372 miles
Pass 17 Mar 2006 33,192 miles
Fail 17 Mar 2006 33,192 miles

Nearside Rear 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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R521 EGJ is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle in Grey with a 2,459cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

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 R521 EGJ, 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 R521 EGJ?

You can check the full history of R521 EGJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R521 EGJ registered?

R521 EGJ is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 8 August 1997.

Is R521 EGJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for R521 EGJ shows 35 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R521 EGJ 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 R521 EGJ. 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.