VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 87 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Total Tests (2024)
87
Avg Mileage
180,164 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN reliable?
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 27 years old, 63% of VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVANs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 87 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 180,164 miles.
How does the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN has 180,164 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
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.
How much does a 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN by Year
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 27 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 £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (+7%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+13%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+12%) from 5,978 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (+9%) from 4,393 tests