CarVerify

Free Car Check

R696 CJS

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle

Blue Diesel 2370cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires17 Jun 2027
Tests27 (17 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate63%

Mileage

212,981 mi
Last recorded212,981 miles
Recorded on18 May 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

RegistrationR696 CJS
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1997
ColourBlue
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

17 pass 10 fail
Pass 18 May 2026 212,981 miles

Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sills both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 18 Jun 2025 211,218 miles

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

Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced both sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Fail 18 Jun 2025 211,218 miles

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

Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced both sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 6 Aug 2024 210,880 miles

Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced both sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Pass 2 Aug 2023 210,073 miles

Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sills (both) (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 29 Jul 2022 209,843 miles

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Arch corroded

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Arch corroded

Offside Sill corroded

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 8 Jul 2022 209,782 miles

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

Front Bumper insecure (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Sill area excessively corroded, near seat belt anchor point (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Sill corroded

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

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Arch excessively corroded

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

Nearside Rear Arch excessively corroded

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

Offside Rear Arch excessively corroded

Rear Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 23 Sep 2021 209,752 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))

Fluid leaking continuously posing a serious risk to road safety diesel fuel (8.4.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

offside and nearside inner front sills corroded

Pass 17 Aug 2019 206,416 miles

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

Nearside Front inner wheel arch corroded

Fail 12 Aug 2019 206,401 miles

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

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

Nearside Front inner wheel arch corroded

Fail 11 Jul 2019 205,720 miles

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

Nearside Front Vehicle structure is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced WHEEL ARCH (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced UNDER SILL (6.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Pass 28 Aug 2018 201,668 miles
Fail 23 Mar 2018 201,663 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded front - rear x4 (3.6.B.2c)

Braking system leaking front to rear burst on test (3.6.A.1)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings bumper crash bar insecure and corroded (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings floor pan (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill X4 holes (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high product on lens (1.8)

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

Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings chassis leg plus bumper crash bar (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid not working (8.2.3)

Offside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Offside Headlamp aim too low product on lens (1.8)

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

Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings cross member (6.1.B.2)

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

Front o/s & n/s Steering rack ends have slight play

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

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

Nearside Front Inner Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive wheel arch (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Front Inner Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive wheel arch (2.4.A.3)

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

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

rear seat belts not tested (luggage)

various other compoments & testable items are corroding but not excessive

Pass 7 Apr 2017 197,507 miles

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

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

Fail 28 Mar 2017 197,481 miles

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

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

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

Pass 13 Apr 2016 192,319 miles
Pass 10 Mar 2015 187,215 miles

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

brake/fuel lines corroded

underside of vehicle corroded/undersilled

Pass 27 Mar 2014 183,923 miles

Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

ns middle floor corroded

Fail 26 Mar 2014 183,923 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

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

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

Nearside Front Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

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

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

Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

ns middle floor corroded

Fail 22 Oct 2010 180,420 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 22 Oct 2010 180,420 miles

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

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

Nearside Outer Rear 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)

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

Pass 6 Nov 2009 176,593 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 31 Oct 2008 174,511 miles

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

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

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

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

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

nearside rear brake binding slightly

Pass 16 Oct 2007 170,612 miles

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

Pass 16 Nov 2006 165,418 miles
Fail 10 Nov 2006 165,418 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 2 Nov 2005 160,068 miles

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

R696 CJS is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle in Blue with a 2,370cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 27 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 63%.

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 R696 CJS, 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 R696 CJS?

You can check the full history of R696 CJS by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R696 CJS registered?

R696 CJS is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 27 October 1997.

Is R696 CJS safe to buy?

The MOT history for R696 CJS shows 27 tests with a 63% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R696 CJS 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 R696 CJS. 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.