Used car guide

1997 LDV Convoy: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the LDV Convoy first registered in 1997: we looked at the 110 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 110 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

110MOTs of 1997 cars, done in 2023–2025
61%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 65%)
3,300typical miles a year
50%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 1997 LDV Convoy MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 LDV Convoy MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    50% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    45% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    41% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Rust and bodywork
    31% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    27% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    25% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 LDV Convoy

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a LDV Convoy?

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Other years

Every year of the LDV Convoy compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006122Brakes 55%
2005268Lights and electrics 56%
2004217Brakes 48%
2003236Brakes 57%
2002310Lights and electrics 52%
2001320Lights and electrics 49%
2000130Lights and electrics 55%
1999140Lights and electrics 56%
1998137Brakes 56%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of LDV Convoy cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score