Used car guide

1998 Volkswagen LT: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Volkswagen LTs, from 108 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 108 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

108MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 66%)
4,900typical miles a year
44%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

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.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    43% 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
    35% 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
    30% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    16% 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.

Looking at a Volkswagen LT?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006249Brakes 51%
2005362Brakes 52%
2004346Brakes 53%
2003266Brakes 47%
2002227Brakes 59%
2001134Brakes 51%
2000124Brakes 52%
1999129Brakes 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Volkswagen LTs registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score