2002 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · KU52 TDO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach to repairs. While the most recent test in May 2025 at 246,600 miles resulted in a pass after rectifying a non-functional horn, it followed a significant failure in 2024 where multiple mechanical and safety-critical defects were identified. This suggests the previous owner often only addressed faults when they directly cause an MOT failure. At 246,600 miles over 24 years, the Transporter shows a consistent usage pattern of approximately 10,000 miles per year, which is typical for a commercial-use vehicle of this age. The mileage interval between May 2023 and May 2024 saw an accumulation of 6,285 miles, indicating the vehicle is still in regular annual use. However, the high cumulative mileage places considerable stress on the drivetrain and chassis components, as evidenced by the variety of wear items recorded during the 2024 inspection. A physical inspection must prioritize the structural integrity of the nearside inner sill, where slight corrosion was flagged in both 2024 and 2025. Given the age of the vehicle, this area requires close monitoring to ensure rust does not progress into structural perforation. The buyer should also verify the steering system, as the steering rack inner joints showed play in the 2024 test, and the front lower suspension ball joint was previously noted for excessive wear. The braking and tyre systems also merit scrutiny following the 2024 failure for significantly worn offside front brake discs and thin pads, alongside tyres worn to the legal limit and on the edges. While these were likely replaced before the subsequent pass, a buyer should check for even tread wear and ensure no binding calipers are not present. The previous failure of the windscreen wipers in 2024 further highlights that basic consumable items are frequently overlooked until they reach a point of failure.