1987 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER1.9L PETROL

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward accumulating suspension and seal wear. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 171,999 miles passed, the tester identified new advisories regarding the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint, a worn lower suspension rod bush, and play in the nearside rear wheel bearing. The presence of weeping inner drive shaft oil seals at this stage indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where mechanical components require proactive attention despite the overall pass status. At 39 years old, the recorded mileage of 171,999 miles represents a low average of approximately 4,410 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage with intervals of roughly 1,200 to 1,400 miles between the annual tests. This low annual mileage suggests the vehicle is not subjected to heavy use, but it often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals, as evidenced by the recurring issues with cracked stabilizer bushes and deteriorated CV boots noted across the 2023 and 2024 records. A buyer must prioritise inspecting the front suspension geometry, as the record shows a history of worn bushes and ball joints that have persisted or evolved. The recurring inner-edge wear on front tyres noted in both 2023 and 2024 indicates an alignment issue or worn suspension components that need professional rectification. Furthermore, the offside rear inner CV boot was flagged as severely deteriorated in 2023 and 2024; the buyer should verify if this was actually replaced to prevent drive joint failure. The weeping oil seals reported in the 2025 test also require close monitoring to ensure the leak is not accelerating into a significant failure.