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R70 DBW

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle

Green Diesel 2459cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires11 Oct 2026
Tests35 (21 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate60%

Mileage

253,395 mi
Last recorded253,395 miles
Recorded on24 Sep 2025
Typical for 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle141,911 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR70 DBW
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1997
ColourGreen
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 14 fail
Pass 24 Sep 2025 253,395 miles

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Both caliper pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Front Inner wheel arches corroded

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

Hazard warning switch faulty (4.4.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated Frontmost (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Underside structure and components covered in underseal

Various welding repairs covered in underseal

Fail 17 Sep 2025 253,371 miles

Offside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

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

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Both caliper pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Front Inner wheel arches corroded

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

Hazard warning switch faulty (4.4.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated Frontmost (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Underside structure and components covered in underseal

Various welding repairs covered in underseal

Pass 4 Oct 2024 252,001 miles

Both outer sills corroded

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (i))

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

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened Including associated suspension components. Covered in underseal. (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Rear Wheel arches corroded

Underside structure and components covered in underseal

Various welding repairs covered in underseal

Fail 25 Sep 2024 251,896 miles

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

Offside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Both outer sills corroded

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (i))

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

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened Including associated suspension components. Covered in underseal. (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Rear Wheel arches corroded

Underside structure and components covered in underseal

Various welding repairs covered in underseal

Pass 3 Oct 2023 250,109 miles

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (ii))

Nearside Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Central row ()

Offside Front Jacking point corroded

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

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

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

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated Both frontmost hoses (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Structure and components corroded throughout

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

Fail 19 Sep 2023 250,084 miles

Nearside Front Integral body structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced Inner sill (6.1.1 (d) (i))

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Towbar component excessively corroded (6.1.6 (a))

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (ii))

Nearside Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Central row ()

Offside Front Jacking point corroded

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

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

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

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated Both frontmost hoses (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Structure and components corroded throughout

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

Pass 23 Sep 2022 249,112 miles

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

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened Including associated components and surrounding area. (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Inner sill and outer sill joining heavily corroded. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Outer sills corroded.

Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Middle row ()

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated Front most. Both sides. (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Structure corroded throughout.

Suspension components corroded throughout.

Towbar component corroded, but not excessively All. Including surrounding area. (6.1.6 (a))

Fail 20 Sep 2022 249,090 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

Exhaust emissions exceed level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (8.2.2.2 (b))

Nearside Front 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 Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Suspension arm mounting. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system Front to rear pipe. Near fuel tank. (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened Including associated components and surrounding area. (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Inner sill and outer sill joining heavily corroded. (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Outer sills corroded.

Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test Middle row ()

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated Front most. Both sides. (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Structure corroded throughout.

Suspension components corroded throughout.

Towbar component corroded, but not excessively All. Including surrounding area. (6.1.6 (a))

Pass 12 Oct 2021 245,911 miles

Fuel tank straps corroded

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

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

Vehicle corroded throughout

Fail 5 Oct 2021 245,907 miles

Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (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 arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (i))

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

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

Fuel tank straps corroded

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

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

Vehicle corroded throughout

Pass 30 Sep 2020 243,002 miles

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

Fail 28 Sep 2020 242,987 miles

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

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

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

Pass 1 Oct 2019 241,129 miles
Pass 26 Sep 2018 234,319 miles

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

Fail 19 Sep 2018 234,304 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Offside Inner Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced cill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced crossmember (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Pass 25 Sep 2017 219,465 miles

Nearside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Not all testable items could be inspected due to the underbody trays fitted

Vehicle has a lot of heavy surface corrosion to suspension components structure and sub structure

nearside and offside rear outer chassis corroded

unable to assess the quality of welding repairs or if the correct gauge of steel was used

Pass 11 Oct 2016 210,794 miles

Front and rear welded plates that cant be fully assessed due to coverings

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

Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both sides (2.4.A.3)

Rear coil spring corroded all (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 19 Sep 2016 210,737 miles

Front Fuel pipe leaking (7.2.3)

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

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

Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Offside Front Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension spring 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)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Pass 12 Oct 2015 200,661 miles

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion wheel arch and sill area (6.1.B.2)

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion bumper support bracket (6.1.B.2)

Fail 8 Oct 2015 200,602 miles

Horn sounds harsh or grating (1.6.2e)

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

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

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion wheel arch and sill area (6.1.B.2)

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

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion bumper support bracket (6.1.B.2)

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

Pass 18 Sep 2014 190,875 miles

Front Brake cable has wires broken but is not significantly weakened (3.5.1b)

Towbar component slightly corroded (6.6.1)

n/s wheel arch/sill corroded

Pass 3 Oct 2013 181,071 miles

Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test

o/s/r seat belt in poor condision no seat fitted

Fail 30 Sep 2013 181,056 miles

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt damaged sufficient to significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

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

Front Brake cable has wires broken but is not significantly weakened (3.5.1b)

Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Towbar component slightly corroded (6.6.1)

front tyres outer edges low

n/s/f wheel arch/lower body corroded

Pass 3 Oct 2012 170,315 miles
Fail 2 Oct 2012 170,315 miles

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

Fuel hose leaking (7.2.3)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Offside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (4.1.D.1f)

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

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Towbar component slightly corroded (6.6.1)

Pass 27 Sep 2011 161,451 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

both front wheel arches/front of sills rusty

o/s/r brake disc in poor condision

Fail 23 Sep 2011 161,411 miles

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

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

both front wheel arches/front of sills rusty

o/s/r brake disc in poor condision

Fail 27 Sep 2010 152,788 miles

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

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

Pass 27 Sep 2010 152,788 miles
Pass 7 Oct 2009 144,693 miles
Pass 29 Sep 2008 134,686 miles
Fail 29 Sep 2008 134,686 miles

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

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

Pass 8 Oct 2007 124,735 miles
Pass 10 Oct 2006 111,729 miles

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

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

Pass 11 Oct 2005 96,937 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

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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.

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R70 DBW is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle in Green with a 2,459cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60%.

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 R70 DBW, 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 R70 DBW?

You can check the full history of R70 DBW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R70 DBW registered?

R70 DBW is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 27 November 1997.

Is R70 DBW safe to buy?

The MOT history for R70 DBW shows 35 tests with a 60% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R70 DBW 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 R70 DBW. 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.