2001 Volkswagen LT: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volkswagen LT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volkswagen LT than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Steering rack inner joints4.6× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  17.5% All 2001 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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 joint3.1× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  18.5% All 2001 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.4% of all 2001 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.8× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  10.7% All 2001 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.2% of all 2001 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Volkswagen LT

  7.1% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.4% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Volkswagen LT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  44% 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
  42% 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
  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.

• Steering
  22% 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
  19% 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 2001 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen LT as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?