1999 Volkswagen LT: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volkswagen LT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volkswagen LT than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  30.4% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Steering rack inner joints4.8× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  16.3% All 1999 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 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.

• Ball joint3.2× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  17.5% All 1999 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.9% of all 1999 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.

• Number plate lights2× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  10.5% All 1999 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.3% of all 1999 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 1999 Volkswagen LT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Volkswagen LT 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.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  41% 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
  34% 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.

• Steering
  20% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?