2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · EX67 HTN

A consistent theme running through the DVSA record of this 2017 Volkswagen Transporter is front-end wear, with two notable mechanical episodes standing out against an otherwise clean roadworthiness history. The most recent test on 10 January 2026 recorded a pass with no defects, but the previous year's pass on 18 January 2025 flagged a severely deteriorated nearside front outer CV (constant velocity) boot. The more significant event occurred on 27 January 2024, when the vehicle failed on a major defect due to an inoperative or malfunctioning engine MIL (malfunction indicator lamp), with the same inspection also raising advisories for worn inner suspension arm pins or bushes on both nearside and offside front. The vehicle was subsequently presented and passed on the same date once the MIL issue was addressed. Aside from these, the 2023, 2021, and 2020 tests all returned clean passes with no advisories, suggesting that the front suspension and drivetrain wear observed in 2024 and 2025 is a recent development rather than a long-running chronic issue. The recorded mileage of 89,342 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual accumulation of around 9,927 miles, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a van of this type. The MOT history shows tests at 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2026, with no evidence of a long period off the road, though the absence of a recorded 2022 test suggests the vehicle may have been tested late in that cycle. Mileage progression across the tests cannot be precisely calculated from the data provided, but the relatively even annual rate indicates steady use rather than the low-mileage deterioration associated with long periods of standing or the heavy component wear typical of high-mileage commercial operation. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension components are the priority area for inspection. The 2024 advisories noted wear to both nearside and offside front inner suspension arm pins or bushes, and although these were not deemed excessive at the time, such components typically deteriorate progressively rather than improving. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and during full-lock manoeuvres at low speed, as these are classic indicators of worn suspension linkages. Also pay attention to vague steering response, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, and any clunking felt through the steering wheel when traversing rough tarmac, all of which would suggest the bushes have worn further since the advisory was raised. The CV joint boot deterioration flagged in 2025 is another area requiring close attention, as a split or perished boot allows grease to escape and contaminants to enter the joint, leading to rapid failure if not rectified. With the boot having been recorded as severely deteriorated at the last test, the buyer should establish whether it has since been replaced and inspect the area underneath the vehicle for fresh grease deposits around the inner and outer CV joints. On the test drive, listen for any clicking or knocking from the front wheels during full-lock turns, vibration through the drivetrain under acceleration, or any binding sensation in the steering, all of which would indicate CV joint wear. Finally, although the engine MIL issue from 2024 resulted in a fail, the vehicle passed the same day, suggesting a straightforward repair; however, it would be prudent to check for any illuminated warning lamps on the dashboard at the point of inspection and, if possible, confirm the fault code history with a diagnostic scan to ensure no underlying engine management issues persist.