Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb reliable?

Based on MOT data from 580 vehicles, the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb has a first-time MOT pass rate of 65.4%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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LDV 400 Convoy D Swb (1997)

580 real MOT outcomes analysed • 65.4% first-time pass rate

1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb

CarHunch analysed 580 real MOT records for the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 1997 LDV Convoy is a genuinely poor MOT performer: just 32.9% pass first time versus the UK average of 80%, meaning nearly seven out of ten fail on their first test. The 10.2% dangerous defect rate is moderate rather than alarming, but combined with an average of 1.02 failures per vehicle, these vans demand serious pre-purchase inspection.

At around 100,000 miles on average, these vehicles are showing their age, and the 3.1 advisories per test suggest mounting wear across multiple systems—electrics, brakes, and suspension are likely trouble spots. If you're considering one, budget for a thorough independent inspection by a diesel van specialist and expect ongoing maintenance costs to be substantial.

The 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb has a below-average first-time pass rate (65.4% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

65.4%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

10.2%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.02

Over 3.2 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

96k

Middle half: 75k–120k

For context

⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 3.1 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 580 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 580 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb cars.

Before you buy a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb

Based on MOT data from 580 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 10.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (99%)	577	65.4%	1.03

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,527 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 56.9%

1,439

Red 23.4%

591

Green 5.8%

146

Blue 5.6%

142

Yellow 4.8%

122

Orange 1.1%

Grey 0.9%

Silver 0.7%

Black 0.4%

Cream 0.4%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

95,917

typical

74,819

low mileage

120,157

high mileage

Half of all 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb vehicles fall between 74,819 and 120,157 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 74,819 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 74,819–120,157 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swbs sit.

⚠ Over 162,211 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

3.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.02

Avg failures per vehicle

3.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — LDV 400 Convoy D Swb: All 400 Convoy D Swb years → Which year to buy? →

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Or browse all models: LDV →

Compare with another model

See how the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy D Swb stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on