2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · AL63 STE

The defining mechanical story of this Volkswagen Transporter is a pattern of recurring suspension and chassis wear that has produced two failed tests within the last four years, alongside a scattering of advisories pointing to oil seepage and tyre condition issues. The most recent test on 2026-04-29 was a pass, but it carried an advisory for an oil leak that, while not excessive at the time of examination, represents the second time oil leakage has been flagged in the record. Earlier in 2025, the vehicle failed on both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes being excessively worn, an issue that was rectified to allow a pass just two days later. A separate failure in late 2022 was recorded for a fractured offside rear upper coil spring, and the 2023 test cycle produced a tyre failure on the offside front for a cut exposing the ply or cords, alongside an advisory for perished rear tyre rubber. Taken together, the record suggests a working vehicle that has required mechanical intervention on more than one occasion and continues to develop minor oil weepage from its powertrain. Recorded mileage sits at 107,861 miles across approximately nine years of testing history, equating to an average accumulation of around 11,985 miles per year. This is broadly consistent with regular commercial or fleet-style use for a Transporter of this age, and the mileage progression between tests shows no dramatic spikes or unusual gaps that would suggest prolonged storage or inconsistent use. There are, however, notable gaps in the testing record itself, with no MOT entries shown between late 2022 and the second 2022 test, and the cadence between certain tests suggests the vehicle may have been off the road briefly for repair work. Mechanically, an annual mileage in this region means consumables such as brakes, tyres, and suspension components will be approaching or past mid-life, and the wear items already flagged in the record align with that expectation. For a prospective buyer, the front lower suspension arms and bushes are the priority area for inspection, as the 2025 failure shows both sides were worn simultaneously, which can indicate age-related degradation of the rubber components rather than a single impact event. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or wandering through the steering, which can point to further wear in the arm bushes or ball joints. The fractured rear coil spring recorded in 2022 should prompt a check for any remaining suspension instability at the rear, particularly over undulating roads where a tired spring may produce wallowing or an uneven ride height. Inspect the wheels closely for distortion, as two advisories were issued for slightly distorted road wheels on the same 2021 test, which can cause vibration through the cabin at speed and may indicate past kerb contact. The oil leak advisory, repeated in both 2021 and 2026, warrants a thorough under-bonnet inspection for fresh seepage around the cam chain area, sump, or any turbocharger or injector unions visible on the engine. Check the underside of the engine and bellhousing for drips when the vehicle is cold, and ask when the oil was last topped up between services. The tyre advisories for perished rubber and a deep cut also suggest a close look at the remaining tread depth and sidewall condition is essential, particularly on the rear axle where cracking was previously flagged. Finally, although the latest test was clean of major defects, the pattern of repeated advisories and prior failures means a precautionary inspection of the subframe mounting points, anti-roll bar links, and brake discs for corrosion or lipping would be prudent before committing to purchase.