2000 Volkswagen LT: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Volkswagen LT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Volkswagen LT than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  30.9% All 2000 cars

  17%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.5% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint3.3× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  18.2% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.2% of all 2000 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.1× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  15.6% All 2000 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 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.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  17.2% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.8%, against 3.3% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  21.1% All 2000 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.7% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2000 Volkswagen LT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  57% 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
  45% 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
  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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% 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
  21% 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.

• Steering
  21% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2000 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2000 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?