1996 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Petrol · C18 JMB

Front-end wear is the defining theme of this 1996 Volkswagen Transporter's test history, with recurring advisories for steering rack inner joint play and anti-roll bar linkage bushes appearing across multiple years, though the overall trend is one of gradual resolution rather than deterioration. The 2022 test flagged play in the offside front steering rack inner joint and a small hole in the tail pipe behind the silencer; by 2023 the steering play was still noted alongside a minor exhaust leak at the rear silencer, plus minor defects for an inadequately secured nearside rear wiring section and a torn wiper blade. The 2024 test saw the steering rack advisory disappear, replaced by worn anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes on both front sides and a continuing minor rear exhaust leak. Most recently, on 20 April 2026, the van passed with no defects or advisories recorded at all, following an equally clean pass in April 2025, suggesting the previously flagged items have been attended to. At 66,023 recorded miles over roughly 30 years, the van has averaged only about 2,200 miles per year, which is very low for a vehicle of this type. The annual April test pattern is consistent, with no gaps in the recent record, indicating regular if light use rather than extended lay-ups in recent years. Low annual mileage on a commercial vehicle of this age typically means less wear on drivetrain and braking components than the odometer of a working van would suggest, but it also means rubber components such as suspension bushes, steering joints, and exhaust mounts age through time rather than mileage, which is consistent with the advisory pattern seen here. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering, given the history of worn anti-roll bar linkages and steering rack inner joint play. Listen for knocking or rattling from the front over uneven surfaces, which would indicate the linkage bushes have worn again, and check for any vagueness or free play at the steering wheel on straight roads, as inner rack joint wear typically manifests as a slight dead spot or clonk when rocking the wheel. With the van stationary, have someone rock the steering wheel while you feel for movement at the track rod ends and inner joints. The exhaust system warrants close inspection despite the clean 2026 result, as a minor rear leak and a holed tail pipe were noted across three consecutive tests from 2022 to 2024. Listen for blowing or rasping from the rear silencer and tail pipe area on a cold start, and inspect the pipework for corrosion, patches, or recent weld repairs. Given the vehicle's age, a general check of the chassis, outriggers, and sills for corrosion is prudent even though no structural items appear in the record, and the previously noted wiring issue near the rear nearside should be confirmed as properly secured. Verify that the two consecutive clean passes reflect genuine rectification of the earlier items rather than superficial attention immediately before testing.