2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · LB66 NWH

The most recent MOT inspection on 5 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle is exhibiting a clear and worsening trend regarding its suspension components. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent passing record since 2020, the frequency and nature of advisories have escalated significantly in the last three years. The transition from no recorded defects in 2020 and 2021 to a series of recurring advisories for worn suspension bushes and exhaust leaks indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of higher maintenance requirements. The presence of multiple advisories for suspension arm pins and trailing arm bushes across both front and rear axles suggests that the rubber components are reaching the end of their service life due to cumulative wear. With 116,379 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this Volkswagen Transporter has averaged roughly 12,931 miles per year. This is relatively high usage for a light commercial vehicle of this age, which aligns with the mechanical wear patterns observed in the MOT history. High annual mileage typically accelerates the degradation of consumable items such as tyres, brake pads, and suspension bushings. The consistent mileage accumulation suggests the vehicle has been used regularly for its intended purpose rather than sitting idle, which is generally positive for preventing long-term issues like brake seizure or fuel system degradation, but it does mean the drivetrain and chassis components have been subjected to significant mechanical stress. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension during a thorough test drive. The repeated advisories for worn suspension arm pins and trailing arm bushes mean you should listen for clunking, knocking, or creaking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps. You should also monitor the vehicle for any signs of lateral instability, wandering, or uneven tyre wear, which can occur when bushings fail to maintain correct wheel alignment. Furthermore, the 2024 advisory regarding an exhaust gas leak at the EGR pipe should be verified; listen for any rasping or increased engine noise under acceleration, as an exhaust leak can impact emissions and potentially lead to more significant manifold or turbocharger issues if left unaddressed. Regarding the braking and tyre systems, the history shows a pattern of wearing components. Although the most recent test did not specifically flag brake thickness, previous advisories for thin pads and pitted discs suggest that the braking system is frequently near its service limit. Check the brake discs for heavy corrosion or scoring and listen for any grinding or squealing during deceleration. Given the high mileage and the age of the vehicle, you should also inspect the tyres for uneven tread wear patterns that might indicate alignment issues caused by the aforementioned worn bushes. Finally, ensure that the service history documentation supports the mechanical needs of a high-mileage diesel engine, specifically regarding timing belt intervals and fluid changes, as the MOT record only captures safety and emissions compliance rather than preventative maintenance.