2023 Volkswagen Multivan Life Phev S-A 1.4L Hybrid electric · GL73 OAS

Covering 70,526 miles in roughly three years places this Multivan well above the typical mileage curve for a 2023 PHEV, yet the DVSA record remains remarkably clean across five consecutive passes from June 2024 through June 2026. The only recorded blemishes are a pair of identical front-tyre wear advisories issued at the November 2025 test, when both the nearside and offside fronts were noted as worn close to the legal limit with 2 mm of tread remaining and wear concentrated on the edge. No structural, brake, suspension, exhaust, or corrosion advisories have appeared, and there are no failures on file. For a high-mileage MPV, that consistency across successive tests is a strong indicator that the consumable wear rate has so far stayed within the expected envelope and that no underlying mechanical issue has yet surfaced at the annual inspection. The annual mileage of approximately 23,500 miles is around 50 percent higher than average private use and is more consistent with a vehicle that has spent long stretches on the motorway as a commercial shuttle, private hire, or family tourer. Mechanically, that pattern accelerates wear on the items most exposed to friction and heat: front brake discs and pads, tyre shoulders from cornering and high-speed lane changes, engine and transmission mounts, and the rear suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links that take a pounding from a heavy PHEV kerb weight. The fact that the only recorded advisories relate to the front tyres suggests the wear pattern is not yet severe elsewhere, but a prospective buyer should expect that brake fluid, cabin filters, drive belt, and possibly the front discs may be approaching replacement sooner than on a lower-mileage equivalent. The plug-in hybrid powertrain itself has so far drawn no advisories at all, which is encouraging given the cumulative electric mileage likely tucked inside that odometer reading. On a physical inspection, pay close attention to the front tyres: check the inner and outer edges of both fronts for uneven shoulder wear or feathering, as the November 2025 advisories specifically flagged edge wear rather than even wear across the tread. This is often linked to incorrect tracking, worn suspension bushes, or top mounts allowing camber to shift, so it is worth jacking the front wheels and looking for free play in the lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and the steering rack gaiters. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and rough tarmac, particularly on full lock, and feel for any vagueness or rattle through the steering. The PHEV system adds further items to interrogate: ensure the charging cable and port show no scorching or damage, that the high-voltage warning labels remain present, and that the 12-volt battery is securely clamped, since auxiliary battery failure is a common reason for hybrid driveability complaints. Given the high annual mileage and the heavy kerb weight of a plug-in hybrid Multivan, it is also prudent to carry out a thorough check of the rear brake discs and pads, the handbrake mechanism, and the underside exhaust shielding for any heat-related distortion. Listen on the test drive for any binding or pulling under light braking, as sticking rear calipers are a known weakness on high-mileage Transporter-platform vehicles, and feel for vibration through the brake pedal which would suggest disc lipping or hot spots. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid seepage from the engine, transmission, or rear differential, and check that the underbody plastic and battery protection plates are still firmly attached, as missing shields expose the high-voltage components to road debris. A service history confirming regular brake fluid changes, spark plug renewal on the petrol engine, and any hybrid system software updates will go a long way to reassuring a buyer that this clean MOT record reflects genuine mechanical health rather than simply a light annual inspection cycle.