2004 LDV Convoy: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 LDV Convoy?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 LDV Convoy than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Body structure rust or damage5.4× usual
  LDV Convoy

  16.1% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Number plate lights2.5× usual
  LDV Convoy

  19.8% All 2004 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.6× usual
  LDV Convoy

  15.7% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  LDV Convoy

  16.1% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 3.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2004 LDV Convoy MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 LDV Convoy MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  48% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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 2004 LDV Convoy

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

1. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2004 LDV Convoy as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2004 LDV Convoy as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 LDV Convoy as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?