1998 Volkswagen LT: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Volkswagen LT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Volkswagen LT than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Ball joint3.5× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  17.1% All 1998 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.7% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  15.1% All 1998 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 3.6% of all 1998 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.2× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  9.2% All 1998 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Number plate lights2.3× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  11.5% All 1998 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.2% of all 1998 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.

Common 1998 Volkswagen LT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Tyres
  18% 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
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Volkswagen LT

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1998 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1998 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?