VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER1998 · 2.4L DIESEL

The Transporter achieved a pass on 29 April 2026 at 146,549 miles, yet the roadworthiness trend appears volatile following a rapid succession of failures earlier that month. The record shows a fail on 17 April 2026 at 146,476 miles for serious mechanical defects including steering looseness and suspension wear, followed by another fail on 29 April for incompatible LED headlights and residual steering movement. While the vehicle ultimately passed, the necessity for multiple retests within a two-week window suggests significant remedial work was required to address structural and safety concerns immediately before the certificate issuance. Usage has remained consistent and low for a vehicle of this age, accumulating approximately 3,200 miles between the April 2025 and April 2026 tests. This brings the total average to roughly 5,234 miles per year over 28 years. Such low mileage often indicates periods of inactivity which can cause seals to dry out or fluids to degrade, potentially explaining the oil leaks and exhaust deterioration noted in the recent history. The odometer progression is linear and logical, showing no evidence of tampering or irregular spikes. A prospective buyer must scrutinise the steering column assembly and front suspension geometry, as testers flagged excessive play in the steering wheel and worn lower arm ball joints on both sides in April 2026. The recent history also highlights engine health issues, specifically a minor exhaust gas leak and visible black smoke during acceleration, which points to potential fuelling or injector faults. Verify that the headlamp units have been reverted to compliant specifications and inspect the offside inner wheel arch for the corrosion noted in 2024, ensuring structural integrity has not worsened.