VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 87 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2370cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
63% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 19 points below average.
Check a specific VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2370cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 29 years old, 63% of VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVANs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 87 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 180,164 miles.
Got a VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
180,164
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN has 180,164 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 73% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 63%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Volkswagen Multivan
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
The 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN is a large car with a 2370cc diesel engine. 87 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 1997 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 180,164 miles at 29 years old, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN owners drive about as much as the UK average.
1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN Fuel Costs
The 2370cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
At 29 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN 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. Note: with only 87 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 180k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 63% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN(1997) | 63% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1999) | 70% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DEFENDER(1997) | 76% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(1999) | 75% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| FIAT DUCATO(1999) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2015 · 1198cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
1999 · 2461cc Diesel
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
1997 · 2500cc Diesel
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
1999 · 2487cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Volkswagen Multivan.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data