2001 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · YG51 ASO
2001 Volkswagen Transporter (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 224,481 miles. MOT valid until 19 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 224,481 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
YG51 ASO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/12/2025
- 224,481 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YG51 ASO 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 2001 Volkswagen Transporter (YG51 ASO) between November 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 December 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: Brakes (11 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 23 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (”.
YG51 ASO Mileage History
- 23/11/2023206,618 mi
- 28/11/2024216,932 mi+10,314 mi
- 20/12/2024216,963 mi+31 mi
- 28/11/2025224,470 mi+7,507 mi
- 10/12/2025224,481 mi+11 mi
Average of roughly 8,721 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution before purchasing this vehicle. While the Volkswagen Transporter is a legendary workhorse, this specific example shows significant signs of structural corrosion and a history of serious MOT failures that suggest deferred maintenance.
If you are considering this van, it must be inspected by a professional with a lift to assess the extent of the corrosion mentioned in the MOT history. Pay close attention to the 'major' and 'dangerous' structural issues noted in 2021 and 2024, specifically regarding the inner sills and suspension component mountings. You need to confirm if these structural repairs were carried out to a high standard or merely patched up to pass the test.
Negotiate heavily based on the known issues. The recent history shows recurring problems with brake pipes, exhaust leaks, and cooling system leaks. Ask for a comprehensive service history to see if the high mileage (over 224,000 miles) has been met with timely maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel engine's health, given the reported blue smoke and excessive exhaust emissions.
As a 2.5L diesel Transporter, running costs will be higher than a standard car. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of a heavy commercial vehicle of this age. Tax and insurance will depend on the specific usage and driver profile, but being an older diesel, it may face restrictions in Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ).
Maintenance costs are likely to be high due to the age and mileage. The MOT history reveals a tendency for suspension, braking, and exhaust components to require frequent attention. Budget for regular upkeep of the cooling system and braking components, as these have been recurring themes in the vehicle's recent history.
A thorough inspection of the chassis and structural integrity is non-negotiable. The MOT history specifically flags 'excessively corroded' suspension component mountings and 'seriously weakened' inner sills. You must check these areas for deep-seated rust that could compromise safety.
Secondly, inspect the braking system and fuel/coolant lines. There is a long-standing advisory regarding corroded brake pipes (noted in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025). Additionally, investigate the coolant leak mentioned in the most recent test and the exhaust smoke, which could indicate turbocharger issues or injector wear common in high-mileage T4 engines.
This 2001 orange Volkswagen Transporter has covered 224,481 miles and presents a concerning MOT profile. Recent history shows a pattern of major and dangerous failures, ranging from insecure seating to severe structural corrosion on suspension mountings and sills. Although it passed its most recent test in December 2025, persistent advisories regarding brake pipe corrosion, coolant leaks, and exhaust smoke indicate ongoing mechanical and structural issues.
While the Volkswagen Transporter is known for longevity, high-mileage examples often suffer from significant structural rust and wear in suspension and cooling components.
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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