Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb?

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 Td Lwb?

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 Td Lwb?

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 Td Lwb reliable?

Based on MOT data from 1,058 vehicles, the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb has a first-time MOT pass rate of 64.8%, 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 Td Lwb?

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 Td Lwb (1997)

1,058 real MOT outcomes analysed • 64.8% first-time pass rate

1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb

CarHunch analysed 1,058 real MOT records for the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb. 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 Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 1997 LDV Convoy is a serious reliability gamble—only 26.6% pass their MOT first time, less than a third of the UK average of 80%. While dangerous defects are relatively uncommon at 9.6%, the sheer volume of failures means buyers should expect significant repair costs.

At 112,000 miles median, these vans have covered considerable ground, and the numbers explain why: vehicles are averaging 0.81 failures and 2.4 advisories per test, suggesting chronic wear across multiple systems. If you're considering one, budget for immediate professional inspection focusing on structural integrity and braking systems, and factor in ongoing repair work as part of ownership.

The 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb has a below-average first-time pass rate (64.8% 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

64.8%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

9.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.81

Over 2.8 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

112k

Middle half: 88k–143k

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 2.4 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 1,058 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 1,058 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb cars.

Before you buy a 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb

Based on MOT data from 1,058 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 9.6% 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 (100%)	1,054	64.8%	0.81

Colour Breakdown

Based on 7,210 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 81.4%

5,871

Blue 5.7%

413

Red 3.8%

276

Yellow 3.7%

267

Green 2.4%

170

Silver 0.8%

Grey 0.7%

Black 0.4%

Brown 0.4%

Orange 0.3%

Cream 0.1%

Maroon 0.1%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb 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.

112,175

typical

88,112

low mileage

143,274

high mileage

Half of all 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb vehicles fall between 88,112 and 143,274 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 88,112 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.

✓ 88,112–143,274 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwbs sit.

⚠ Over 193,419 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 38% of 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwbs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2019 (38% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2019.

MOT History Averages

2.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.81

Avg failures per vehicle

2.4

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb: All 400 Convoy Td Lwb years → Which year to buy? →

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Or browse all models: LDV →

Compare with another model

See how the 1997 LDV 400 Convoy Td Lwb stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on