2012 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · CB04 SAR

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than proactive prevention. The most recent test in March 2026 at 172,127 miles flagged play in the steering rack inner joints on both sides. This specific issue is a recurring fault, having first appeared in March 2023 at 135,394 miles. While the vehicle passed its latest inspection, the persistence of steering geometry issues suggests that components are only being addressed when they reach a point of failure or trigger an advisory. The Transporter shows a consistent high-usage profile, averaging approximately 12,300 miles per year over its 14-year life. There is a notable acceleration in mileage in recent years, with over 33,000 miles covered between February 2024 and March 2026. This high rate of use places significant stress on heavy-duty components, as reflected in the frequent reports of brake wear and suspension degradation. The interval of annual testing suggests the vehicle has been used regularly, which often helps prevent the corrosion-related issues associated with long-term standing. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the front steering and suspension assembly. The recurring failure of steering rack inner joints and previous issues with ball joint boots indicate significant wear on the front-end geometry. Additionally, the record shows a long history of uneven tyre wear, specifically noted in the 2024 advisory for the nearside rear tyre and the 2017 failures for edge-wearing tyres. This pattern often points to persistent alignment issues or worn suspension bushes that continue to consume new tyres prematurely. The braking system requires close scrutiny as the history reveals a trend of thin pads and scored discs across multiple years from 2016 to 2023. The tester noted fluctuating rear brakes in 2021, which can indicate warped discs or sticking calipers. Given the high mileage and the documented history of neglected component replacement, the buyer should check for signs of heat damage on the rotors and ensure that the current pads and discs have sufficient remaining life to avoid immediate capital expenditure.