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Volkswagen LT (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 453 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,606

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2459cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,606/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2459cc27 years old453 tests144k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,606
Per month£217/mo
Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

72% of MOT tests on Volkswagen LTs from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 453 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 143,987 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models229th of 361(bottom half)
Rank among Volkswagen models949th of 1,086(bottom 13%)
vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)
vs 1999 models average-3%(75% avg)
vs Volkswagen average-13%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,987

Average miles

vs

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Volkswagen LT had 143,987 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 60%. The 1999 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen LT by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201176%41128,510 mi
201080%40173,889 mi
200762%37141,991 mi
200668%530150,866 mi
200570%779155,744 mi
200470%711159,494 mi
200370%614160,284 mi
200271%492157,964 mi
200164%289130,593 mi
200060%283143,854 mi
199972%453143,987 mi
199871%434143,947 mi
199768%255109,306 mi
199664%173125,666 mi
199563%126102,864 mi
199473%92120,022 mi
199357%93124,634 mi
199275%92113,536 mi
199184%147143,025 mi
199066%183127,188 mi

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About the 1999 Volkswagen LT

The 1999 Volkswagen LT is a van. Our records list a 2459cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 453 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 143,987 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen LT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Volkswagen LT Fuel Costs

The 2459cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1999 Volkswagen LT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,606 (£217/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen LT Reliability Trend

The Volkswagen LT has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 Volkswagen LT

At 27 years old, the Volkswagen LT is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 84%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 144k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 Volkswagen LT stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Volkswagen LT(1999)72%£1,676£375n/a£2,606
Volkswagen Transporter(1999)70%£1,676£375n/a£2,606same
Fiat Ducato(2001)73%£1,676£410n/a£2,641+£35
Ford Transit(1998)72%£1,676£375n/a£2,606same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Volkswagen LT

Is the 1999 Volkswagen LT reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1999 Volkswagen LTs ended in a pass, from 453 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Volkswagen LT cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,606 a year (£217 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Volkswagen LT?

72% of 453 MOT tests on the 1999 Volkswagen LT ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 229th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen LT has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Volkswagen LT has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 2000 the lowest at 60%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Volkswagen LT?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Volkswagen LT is 143,987 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Volkswagen LT.

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