CarVerify

Free Car Check

R955 AEX

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle

Red Diesel 2459cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires28 Sep 2026
Tests32 (18 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate56.3%

Mileage

260,737 mi
Last recorded260,737 miles
Recorded on24 Sep 2025
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

RegistrationR955 AEX
MakeVolkswagen
ModelCaravelle
Year1997
ColourRed
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

18 pass 14 fail
Pass 24 Sep 2025 260,737 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both centre to front (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive lower arm mount & sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive lower arm mount & sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber & inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Rear General underbody corrosion

Fail 24 Sep 2025 260,737 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both centre to front (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive lower arm mount & sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive lower arm mount & sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber & inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Rear General underbody corrosion

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

Pass 16 Sep 2024 256,863 miles

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) n.s and o.s front ()

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive n.s outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive o.s outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 29 Sep 2023 255,061 miles

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

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

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Offside Rear Inner arch slightly corroded

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

Fail 19 Sep 2023 254,977 miles

Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength under car inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Inner Tyre has ply or cords exposed side wall (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Offside Rear Inner arch slightly corroded

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

Pass 22 Sep 2022 250,892 miles

Glow plug light flashing

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

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner arch by top shock mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive under car inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner arch by shock top mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner arch by suspension arm (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

clutch pipe loose

rattle from gear box area

Fail 2 Sep 2022 250,888 miles

Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit 0.70 (8.2.2.2 (a))

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

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Clutch pipe loose

Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour but not likely to obscure the vision of other road users (8.2.2.2 (c))

Glow plug light flashing

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner arch by top shock mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner arch by shock top mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner arch by suspension arm (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Rattle from gear box area

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive n.s under car inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 13 Apr 2021 241,919 miles

Nearside Front Inner sill corroded outside of any prescribed areas

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

Fail 8 Apr 2021 241,911 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Inner sill corroded outside of any prescribed areas

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

Pass 21 Jan 2020 236,535 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 16 Jan 2020 236,519 miles

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

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 10 Jan 2019 226,145 miles

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

Pass 12 Jan 2018 220,794 miles

Central Front Oil leak excessive oil leak from engine ()

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion inner sill (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion inner sill (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit outer edge/side wall smooth (4.1.E.1)

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

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit flat spotted (4.1.E.1)

Fail 5 Jan 2018 220,794 miles

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

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

Central Front Oil leak excessive oil leak from engine ()

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion inner sill (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion inner sill (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit outer edge/side wall smooth (4.1.E.1)

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

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit flat spotted (4.1.E.1)

Pass 10 Jan 2017 212,876 miles

Glow plug lamp flashing

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

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

Offside rear tyre perished

Fail 5 Jan 2017 212,876 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Exhaust filter cracked (7.1.2)

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Front Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Outer Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Glow plug lamp flashing

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

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

Offside rear tyre perished

Pass 8 Jan 2016 202,538 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Sill outer (5.2.6)

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill outer (5.2.6)

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

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

Slight oil leak and water leak .

Fail 6 Jan 2016 245,443 miles

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover missing (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

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

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

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

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

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

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Sill outer (5.2.6)

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill outer (5.2.6)

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

Slight oil leak and water leak .

Pass 8 Jan 2015 193,232 miles

Both front anti-roll bar D-Bushes have slight play in

Both front sill areas slightly corroded

Both rear wheels binding slightly

Coolant leak

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

Front bumper carrier corroded and holed

Glow plug light flashing

Horn siren poor

N/S inner steering arm has slight play in

N/S/R and O/S/R seatbelts only visually checked due to child seat being fitted

N/S/R handbrake lever not fully returning to stop

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

O/S (Middle row) seatbelt only visually checked due to child seat being fitted

O/S headlamp lense is stonechipped

O/S/F inner cv gaitor slight deteriated

O/S/R tyre perishing

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

Oil leak

Reverse lights inoperative

Fail 6 Jan 2015 193,187 miles

Nearside Front 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 Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Both front anti-roll bar D-Bushes have slight play in

Both front sill areas slightly corroded

Both rear wheels binding slightly

Coolant leak

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

Front bumper carrier corroded and holed

Glow plug light flashing

Horn siren poor

N/S inner steering arm has slight play in

N/S/R and O/S/R seatbelts only visually checked due to child seat being fitted

N/S/R handbrake lever not fully returning to stop

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

O/S (Middle row) seatbelt only visually checked due to child seat being fitted

O/S headlamp lense is stonechipped

O/S/F inner cv gaitor slight deteriated

O/S/R tyre perishing

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

Oil leak

Reverse lights inoperative

Pass 3 Jan 2014 183,980 miles

Child seats fitted x 3. Unable to test adult belts

Glow plug light on

N/S/F and both rear tyres slightly perished

N/S/F brake caliper park brake lever not returning to stop

N/S/F lower ball joint rubber in poor condition

Slight play in N/S inner track rod

Very slight play in N/S/F wheel bearing

Fail 2 Jan 2014 183,980 miles

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

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

Child seats fitted x 3. Unable to test adult belts

Glow plug light on

N/S/F and both rear tyres slightly perished

N/S/F brake caliper park brake lever not returning to stop

N/S/F lower ball joint rubber in poor condition

Slight play in N/S inner track rod

Very slight play in N/S/F wheel bearing

Pass 2 Jan 2013 177,034 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Knocking noise from engine internally.

Oil leak from engine.

Rear washer inop.

Slight play in front anti roll bar link bushes.

Slight play in nearside front upper ball joint.

Fail 2 Jan 2013 177,034 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake pipe leaking (3.6.A.1)

Knocking noise from engine internally.

Oil leak from engine.

Rear washer inop.

Slight play in front anti roll bar link bushes.

Slight play in nearside front upper ball joint.

Pass 3 Jan 2012 169,776 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Nearside front brake flexi hose has slight cracks.

Nearside washer jet inop.

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

Oil leak

Rear brake disc's badly corroded.

Rear brake pads 70% worn.

Rear washer jet inop.

Pass 13 Dec 2010 160,443 miles

Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

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

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

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

brake discs corroded

o/s headlight cracked

Fail 13 Dec 2010 160,443 miles

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) leaking from a joint (2.3.3b)

Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

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

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

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

brake discs corroded

o/s headlight cracked

Pass 10 Oct 2008 146,834 miles
Pass 15 Oct 2007 134,509 miles
Fail 12 Oct 2007 134,509 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Pass 13 Oct 2006 117,958 miles
Fail 6 Oct 2006 117,775 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Brake hose has insufficient room to move, resulting in fouling on any part (3.6.B.4a)

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

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

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

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

Slight crack in offside headlight lens

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

R955 AEX is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle in Red with a 2,459cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.3%.

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 R955 AEX, 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 R955 AEX?

You can check the full history of R955 AEX by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R955 AEX registered?

R955 AEX is a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle, first registered on 1 October 1997.

Is R955 AEX safe to buy?

The MOT history for R955 AEX shows 32 tests with a 56.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R955 AEX 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 R955 AEX. 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.