2021 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Highline TDI 2.0L Diesel · GD70 TXJ

Recurring tyre degradation and under-vehicle trim damage define the recent mechanical history of this Transporter, which transitioned from a clean record in 2024 to a dangerous failure in February 2026. While the vehicle successfully secured a pass on 9 February 2026 following the replacement of a tyre with exposed cords, the presence of a persistent advisory regarding a broken and loose nearside under-tray indicates a potential vulnerability in the vehicle's underside protection. This pattern suggests that while the core structural and safety systems have been rectified, the integrity of the plastic shielding remains compromised and requires ongoing monitoring to ensure it does not detach or cause secondary damage to exposed components. Accumulating 53,595 miles over a five-year period equates to an average of approximately 10,719 miles per annum, a figure consistent with standard commercial or private usage profiles. This steady rate of accumulation suggests the vehicle has remained in active service without prolonged periods of inactivity, which typically mitigates the risk of seized components or degraded seals associated with long-term storage. However, the consistent annual testing interval confirms that the vehicle has been subjected to regular road use, meaning that high-wear items such as suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and drivetrain mounts have been under constant load throughout the vehicle's operational life. Prospective buyers should prioritise a physical inspection of the nearside under-tray during the test drive to determine the extent of the damage noted in the MOT history. Ensure all fixings are secure and that the tray is not vibrating against the chassis or fuel lines, as loose plastic can trap debris or cause resonance noises at motorway speeds. Listen specifically for any rattling or metallic scraping sounds emanating from the underside when driving over uneven surfaces, which could indicate that the loose tray or its associated mounting brackets have suffered further fatigue since the last inspection. Given the recent failure involving a tyre with exposed ply and cords, a thorough examination of all four tyres is essential to verify uniform wear patterns. Uneven shoulder wear or feathered tread blocks could point to underlying suspension geometry misalignment, which is common in high-mileage Transporters. During the test drive, pay close attention to the steering response and check for any pulling to the left or right under braking, as these symptoms would confirm the need for a professional four-wheel alignment check to prevent premature tyre failure and ensure the vehicle's handling characteristics remain within manufacturer specifications.