2004 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · JM04 RAT

A 22-year-old Volkswagen Transporter carrying 221,700 miles presents a roadworthiness record shaped by a clear structural concern and a cluster of recurring chassis and running-gear advisories. The most recent test on 9 February 2026 recorded a pass with rear brake pad wear nearing the limit and a wipers parking fault, but that same day a separate presentation failed on an inoperative nearside rear stop lamp, a straightforward electrical rectification but indicative of minor electrical gremlins worth probing. Looking further back, the November 2022 test is the most serious entry, recording four major defects in one sitting: significant corrosion to the nearside rear outer structure at both the quarter and wheel arch reducing rigidity, a fluid-leaking nearside rear shock absorber, corrosion to the offside rear wheel arch again compromising rigidity, and a split nearside front outer CV boot. The presence of structural corrosion at three points on the rear bodywork on a T4-generation Transporter is a known weak area and represents the most material risk for any prospective buyer, as the repair method typically involves sectional welding rather than panel beating. Mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a working van of this age, averaging around 10,000 miles per year across 22 years, but there is an unusually sparse testing history with only seven MOT events recorded since 2021. The 2026 test shows an odometer reading consistent with continued but modest use, while the long intervals between some tests suggest periods of either light use, off-road storage, or potentially inconsistent presentation for certification. For a commercial-oriented Transporter with this mileage, the mechanical expectation is heightened wear on suspension bushes, drop links, ball joints, brake discs, and drivetrain mounts, all of which aligns with the advisory patterns observed across the 2024 and 2025 tests where front suspension arm bushes and tyre edges were repeatedly highlighted. Focusing on the advisories that recur across the record, the nearside and offside front inner tyres have appeared as edge-worn at the last three tests, which is a strong indicator of geometry drift or worn front suspension components distorting the contact patch. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven tarmac, particularly from the nearside front suspension arm where the pin or bush was noted as worn in February 2025, and pay close attention to any steering wander, pull to one side under braking, or uneven steering effort which would suggest the bushes have progressed beyond advisory tolerance. The offside front brake hose was also flagged as slightly deteriorated in early 2024, and on a Transporter of this age the rubber hydraulic hoses are a known failure point, so firm pedal application from cold should be assessed for any sponginess, and the hoses themselves visually inspected for cracking or bulging. The structural corrosion flagged in late 2022 remains the dominant consideration, and any prospective buyer should arrange a physical inspection beneath the vehicle rather than relying solely on the MOT record. The nearside rear quarter, both rear wheel arches, and the inner sill sections should be examined for bubbling under the paint, flaking underbody sealant, and any evidence of previous welding or filler repair, as corrosion at structural mounting points can compromise seatbelt anchorages and suspension pick-up points. The leaking rear shock recorded in 2022 should be confirmed as resolved by checking for fresh dampness around the damper body, and the CV boot split from the same test verified as a recent replacement by inspecting the joint for grease contamination. Finally, the rear brake pads noted as wearing thin at the most recent test warrant immediate replacement, and during a road test any judder under braking, pulling to one side, or a binding feel after release would suggest the caliper guides or rear discs have also reached their wear limit.