1997 Volkswagen Transporter 2.4L Diesel · R726 FDU

This Volkswagen Transporter, tested most recently on 26 July 2026 , carries a clean MOT record since its last failure in June 2022 , with no defects or advisories recorded in any of the four tests spanning 2021–2023. The most recent pass, at 179,877 miles , confirms no immediate mechanical or structural failings, though the 2022 failure —despite no defects logged—raises curiosity given its proximity to the preceding pass. The absence of recurring advisories or defects suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, though the 2022 failure (without explanation) implies either a minor oversight or a component nearing its lifespan that wasn’t formally flagged. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, this is a relatively stable trend, but the 17-month gap between the 2022 failure and the 2023 pass warrants scrutiny of whether critical components were addressed privately. The recorded mileage of 179,877 miles over 29 years equates to an average of 6,203 miles per year , a rate consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage for a commercial van of this era. There are no extreme mileage jumps or prolonged periods of inactivity, though the 17-month gap between the 2022 failure and 2023 pass suggests either a delayed MOT or private servicing not reflected in the record. The 2022 failure at 179,349 miles , occurring just 17 days after a pass at 179,366 miles , is anomalous—unless it was a test date error—and does not align with standard MOT scheduling. This irregularity, combined with the lack of advisories in later tests, implies either a one-off administrative issue or a component that was privately replaced without formal documentation. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components , particularly the rear coil springs and bushes , which are prone to fatigue in vans of this era. The 2022 failure —despite no recorded defects—could hint at binding brakes or worn suspension parts , so testing brake response under load and checking for uneven tyre wear is essential. Exhaust emissions should also be monitored, as older vans often develop leaks or catalytic converter issues over time. Structural corrosion , particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and rear subframe, is another critical area; rust penetration here can compromise the vehicle’s integrity. Finally, the transmission and differential warrant attention, as high-mileage manual transmissions in this model are known to develop synchroniser wear or clutch slippage. While the MOT record shows no red flags, these components are beyond the scope of a basic test and require hands-on verification.