CarVerify

Free Car Check

Y543 GWS

2001 Volkswagen Beetle

Silver Petrol 1598cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires6 Aug 2027
Tests31 (18 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate58.1%

Mileage

49,397 mi
Last recorded49,397 miles
Recorded on7 Aug 2026
Typical for 2001 Volkswagen Beetle79,088 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

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

RegistrationY543 GWS
MakeVolkswagen
ModelBeetle
Year2001
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,598cc

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 13 fail
Pass 7 Aug 2026 49,397 miles

Both front seats slightly loose but secure

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Both sides (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

General underside corrosion

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Both sides (5.3.2 (c))

Fail 30 Jul 2026 49,240 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Sill/axle area, marked (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Both front seats slightly loose but secure

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Both sides (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

General underside corrosion

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Both sides (5.3.2 (c))

Pass 1 Aug 2025 49,092 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Fail 31 Jul 2025 49,092 miles

Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Rear fog lamp insecure (4.5.1 (c) (i))

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

Pass 2 Aug 2024 49,030 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Pass 7 Aug 2023 48,860 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Pass 26 Jul 2022 48,346 miles

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Pass 27 Jul 2021 47,675 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

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

all tyres perished

Fail 29 Jun 2021 47,670 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 manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high (8.2.1.2 (e))

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

Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Exhaust fumes causing a danger to health of persons on board (6.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2.6mm (5.2.3 (e))

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

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

Pass 2 Jul 2019 46,501 miles

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear split pin missing from hub nut

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Fail 29 Jun 2019 46,501 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear split pin missing from hub nut

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

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

Pass 17 Oct 2017 38,053 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front wheel bearing slightly noisy

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)

Fail 16 Oct 2017 38,052 miles

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front wheel bearing slightly noisy

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 3 Feb 2015 37,808 miles

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Steering column flexible coupling is slightly deteriorated (2.1.5)

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

Wiper mark across top of offside screen

Fail 31 Jul 2014 37,801 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Nearside Front Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (4.1.D.2)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Steering column flexible coupling is slightly deteriorated (2.1.5)

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

wiper mark at top of screen on offside

Fail 1 Aug 2013 26,645 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 1 Aug 2013 26,645 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 3 Aug 2012 15,506 miles

accelerator pedal missing

front number plate damaged

Fail 28 Jul 2012 15,380 miles

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

accelerator pedal missing

front number plate damaged

Pass 22 Jul 2011 67,772 miles

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

both front tyres close to limit

front brakes imbalanced (but below 25%)

offside front seat belt starting to frey

offside front tyre valve perished

slight brake judder to both front brakes

slight play and noise from offside front wheel bearing

Fail 19 Jul 2011 67,772 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

both front tyres close to limit

offside front seat belt starting to frey

offside front tyre valve perished

slight brake judder to both front brakes

slight play and noise from offside front wheel bearing

Pass 27 Jul 2010 97,329 miles

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Oil leak

both front brake flexible hoses perishing

engine oil level on minimum

offside front tyre valve starting to perish

slight brake judder to both front brakes

your vehicle has only just met the requirements for service brake efficiency. It would appear that the braking system requiers adjustment or repair

Fail 20 Jul 2010 97,139 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Offside Exhaust has a part missing (7.1.1a)

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake lever ratchet mechanism is broken (3.1.5)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

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

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Oil leak

both front flexi hoses starting to perish

engine oil level on minimum

offside front tyre valve starting to perish

slight brake judder to both front brakes

Pass 20 Aug 2009 85,184 miles

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

Fail 10 Aug 2009 84,745 miles

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

Pass 1 Aug 2008 69,849 miles

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

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

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

Fail 1 Aug 2008 69,849 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Pass 6 Aug 2007 59,003 miles

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)

Fail 6 Aug 2007 59,003 miles

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

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 12 Aug 2006 49,188 miles
Pass 3 Aug 2005 38,980 miles

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

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

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

Y543 GWS is a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle in Silver with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.1%.

Across all 2001 Volkswagen Beetle models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.7% with a typical mileage of 79,088 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 Beetle fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 44,561 recorded failures. If you're considering buying Y543 GWS, 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 25 years old, this Volkswagen Beetle is still in the earlier part of its expected life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of Y543 GWS?

You can check the full history of Y543 GWS by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was Y543 GWS registered?

Y543 GWS is a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle, first registered on 13 August 2001.

Is Y543 GWS safe to buy?

The MOT history for Y543 GWS shows 31 tests with a 58.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does Y543 GWS 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 Y543 GWS. 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.