2012 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · R31 BEE
2012 Volkswagen Transporter (2.0L, diesel). First registered 21/06/2012. Recorded mileage 153,663 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04/08/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 153,663 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 1968cc
R31 BEE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/08/2025
- 153,663 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Technical Specifications
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R31 BEE Mileage History
- 23/06/2023139,913 mi
- 18/06/2024146,522 mi+6,609 mi
- 18/06/2024146,523 mi+1 mi
- 06/08/2025153,662 mi+7,139 mi
- 06/08/2025153,663 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 6,480 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R31 BEE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Volkswagen Transporter (R31 BEE) between June 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and thorough mechanical inspection. While the vehicle has a consistent MOT history, the recurring issues with suspension components and braking systems suggest a need for careful scrutiny of its maintenance regime.
When viewing this Transporter, prioritize checking the service history to see if the recurring suspension and braking issues have been addressed with quality parts. Given the recent history of anti-roll bar linkage failures (2024 and 2025) and CV boot issues (2023), you should inspect the entire front-end suspension for play or perished rubber components.
Negotiate based on the high mileage and the frequency of MOT failures. Ensure that the most recent repairs, specifically the lighting and the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover mentioned in the August 2025 test, have been documented with receipts. Ask the seller specifically about the condition of the braking system, as this vehicle has previously recorded 'dangerous' brake pad wear.
As a 2.0L diesel, the Transporter is designed for efficiency on longer journeys, though running costs will be influenced by its weight and load. Expect moderate fuel economy typical for a commercial vehicle of this era.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than a standard car due to the specialized parts required for a Transporter. You should budget for more frequent replacement of suspension components and tyres, as evidenced by the MOT advisories regarding tyre perishing and wear. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, fall into a mid-range bracket for this vehicle type.
Focus heavily on the underside of the vehicle. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of suspension wear, specifically with anti-roll bar linkages and CV boots. Check for any signs of grease leaking from drive shafts or excessive movement in the suspension joints.
Secondly, inspect the braking system. The 2022 MOT recorded a 'dangerous' failure for thin brake pads, so ensure the current pads, discs, and calipers are in good health and not binding. Finally, check all exterior lighting—including fog lamps, registration plate lights, and position lamps—as this vehicle has a history of failures in these areas across multiple years.
This 2012 orange Volkswagen Transporter has covered 153,663 miles, which is substantial for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of failures related to lighting, suspension (anti-roll bar linkages), and braking components. While it has passed its most recent test in August 2025, the history indicates a vehicle that requires regular attention to wear-and-tear items.
While no aggregate data is available for this specific model, the Transporter is generally regarded as a robust workhorse, though high-mileage examples often require significant maintenance to suspension and cooling systems.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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