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R82 AOU

1997 Volkswagen Beetle

Blue Petrol 1596cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires18 Jul 2027
Tests17 (12 pass, 5 fail)
Pass rate70.6%

Mileage

86,630 mi
Last recorded86,630 miles
Recorded on16 Jul 2026
Typical for 1997 Volkswagen Beetle51,989 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationR82 AOU
MakeVolkswagen
ModelBeetle
Year1997
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,596cc

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

12 pass 5 fail
Pass 16 Jul 2026 86,630 miles

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Pass 9 Jul 2025 84,509 miles

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

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Pass 19 Jul 2024 83,190 miles
Pass 6 Jul 2023 81,979 miles

Nearside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Pass 2 Jul 2022 79,853 miles
Pass 26 Apr 2021 79,342 miles
Fail 29 Mar 2021 79,341 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 17 Mar 2016 78,622 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Slight oil leak

Fail 16 Mar 2016 78,622 miles

Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)

Nearside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Slight oil leak

Pass 14 Nov 2014 76,305 miles
Pass 18 Nov 2013 69,014 miles
Fail 15 Nov 2013 69,004 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Pass 24 Sep 2012 62,344 miles

speedo not working

Fail 13 Sep 2012 62,344 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

speedo not working

Pass 12 Sep 2011 57,472 miles

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

Pass 1 Aug 2006 56,452 miles
Fail 27 Jul 2006 56,452 miles

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

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

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

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

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Beetle?

Based on 1,719,137 MOT tests across 112,454 vehicles.

71.7%
Pass Rate
4,798
Miles/Year
56
Year Lifespan
112,454
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 44,561
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 33,096
Stop lamp not working 28,079
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 27,964
Headlamp not working on dipped beam 23,197
Full Volkswagen Beetle reliability report

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R82 AOU is a 1997 Volkswagen Beetle in Blue with a 1,596cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 17 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 70.6%.

Across all 1997 Volkswagen Beetle models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.8% with a typical mileage of 51,989 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Volkswagen Beetle fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 44,561 recorded failures. If you're considering buying R82 AOU, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Beetle typically stays on UK roads for around 56 years. At 29 years old, this Volkswagen Beetle is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R82 AOU?

You can check the full history of R82 AOU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R82 AOU registered?

R82 AOU is a 1997 Volkswagen Beetle, first registered on 9 December 1997.

Is R82 AOU safe to buy?

The MOT history for R82 AOU shows 17 tests with a 70.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R82 AOU 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 R82 AOU. 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.