The most recent MOT, passed on 16 September 2016 at 15,378 miles, is now almost ten years out of date. That alone makes the vehicle effectively unroadworthy for use on public roads until a fresh test is completed. The maintenance trend across the record is mixed rather than clearly improving or worsening. The 2014 failure flagged serious structural and mechanical concerns, including excessive corrosion affecting braking or steering, worn front shock absorber bushes, steering box play, and a major exhaust leak. By 2015 and 2016 the tester recorded only minor advisories, suggesting some remedial work was carried out, yet oil leaks, gearbox noise, slight rust at the rear, and play in multiple wheel bearings persisted across both 2016 tests and the 2015 pass. These are not new problems; they are long-standing, partially tolerated faults.
The mileage pattern reinforces the picture of a vehicle that has seen very light use and long periods of standing. The recorded distance moved from 11,967 miles in July 2014 to 15,378 miles in September 2016, an increase of 3,411 miles in just over two years, which is the most notable accumulation in the record. Before that, the annual mileage was lower, and the overall average of roughly 261 miles per year over nearly six decades is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. Such minimal use can mask deterioration caused by age rather than mileage, including perished rubber components, dried seals, and corrosion from standing rather than wear from regular driving.
A buyer should treat this vehicle as requiring a thorough mechanical and structural inspection before any commitment. The recurring advisories for slight play in front and rear wheel bearings across multiple tests suggest either a pattern of neglect or an acceptance of borderline condition that has never been fully corrected. The 2016 oil leak and noisy gearbox remain unresolved on paper, and with no subsequent test there is no evidence they have been addressed. Gearbox noise in a classic Volkswagen Type 2 can indicate worn bearings or synchromesh, which may deteriorate further if the vehicle has been standing for long periods.
The 2014 failure remains the most concerning entry. Excessive corrosion affecting braking or steering, worn shock absorber bushes, steering box play, and a major exhaust leak point to a period when the vehicle’s structural integrity and key safety systems were below standard. Although later tests show fewer defects, the underlying condition of the chassis, suspension mounts, and brake system must be verified in person. Brake pipes and hoses, suspension bushes, steering linkage, and the exhaust system should all be closely examined for age-related deterioration. Given the ten-year gap since the last test, a full inspection of the fuel system, tyres, and all fluid levels is also essential before the vehicle is used on the road.