2016 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · EY66 YTT

A pattern of front anti-roll bar wear combined with a persistent engine oil leak defines the mechanical character of this 2016 Volkswagen Transporter, and although the van has remained roadworthy throughout its recorded test history, these recurring advisories signal components that are approaching the end of their service life. The most recent MOT on 30 March 2026 was actually preceded by a fail that same day on both rear tyres due to deep cuts exposing the ply or cords, after which the vehicle was repaired and immediately returned for a retest that it passed. The anti-roll bar bushes were flagged on both sides of the front axle at this same visit, and the oil leak advisory resurfaced having first appeared back in October 2024, suggesting that neither issue has been rectified and both are progressing rather than resolving. Earlier tests in April 2025 and December 2023 returned clean passes with no defects recorded, so the current cluster of advisories represents a deterioration in condition over the last twelve months rather than a long-standing chronic problem, but one that warrants close attention before further deterioration leads to test failures. With 134,582 miles accumulated over roughly a decade of service, this Transporter is averaging approximately 13,458 miles per year, which sits well above the typical mileage band for a commercial vehicle of this age and indicates sustained heavy use rather than intermittent light duty. This level of annual mileage is consistent with the van being worked hard on a near-daily basis, which places considerably greater demand on wear items such as suspension components, braking hardware, clutch and dual-mass flywheel assemblies, engine mounts, drivetrain bearings and cooling system components than a lower-mileage equivalent would experience. The MOT record shows consistent annual testing without any multi-year lay-up gaps, confirming the vehicle has remained in continuous use, which means mechanical wear has accumulated steadily rather than suffering the corrosion issues associated with prolonged standing. The higher-than-average mileage does, however, mean that any marginal components flagged in advisories should be considered to be nearer the end of their functional life than the calendar date alone would suggest. For a prospective buyer, the front anti-roll bar bushes warrant a physical inspection from beneath the vehicle, as worn bushes can typically be identified by cracking, splitting or crumbling of the rubber and excessive lateral play in the bar when rocked by hand, while on the road they tend to produce a knocking or clunking noise from the front suspension over speed humps, rough tarmac and during direction changes. The persistent oil leak, which has now been recorded at two consecutive MOTs, should be traced to its source by inspecting the engine and gearbox sump area, cam chain tensioner cover, crankshaft seals and any visible rocker cover gasket for fresh seepage or staining, and a test drive should be used to monitor for any blue exhaust smoke on overrun or after cold starts which would indicate internal engine wear consistent with high mileage. The brake system, given the high annual mileage, should be checked for binding calipers by ensuring the rear wheels rotate freely by hand when jacked, and the pedal feel should be tested for any sponginess or excessive travel suggesting worn discs or hydraulic issues. Given the tyres were cut deeply enough to fail on both rear corners, the wheels and tyres should be examined for kerb damage and uneven wear patterns, as rear axles on heavily laden Transporter vans are prone to inner shoulder wear and tracking issues that can accelerate sidewall deterioration. A pre-purchase inspection beneath the vehicle is particularly advisable to confirm the structural integrity of the subframe mounting points and to assess whether the advisories have progressed into components that are likely to fail at the next test.