2009 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · LG59 OYK

The 2009 Volkswagen Transporter has accumulated 122,387 miles across its lifetime, presenting a generally stable roadworthiness record punctuated by two significant failures in 2021 before achieving consistent passes through late 2025. The most recent MOT conducted on 2025-11-19 resulted in a passing outcome with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle has remained roadworthy following earlier concerns. Two prior failures in 2021—one involving a fractured offside rear upper coil spring and another related to corroded nearside rear coil springs alongside a non-functional registration plate lamp—were subsequently cleared during the 2022 and later MOTs, suggesting that corrective work was completed and the chassis returned to compliance standards. The current passing status reflects a clear improvement in compliance since the 2021 setbacks. At 122,387 miles on a 17-year-old platform, the vehicle's annual consumption of approximately 7,200 miles aligns with expected wear patterns for its age rather than suggesting abnormal acceleration or underuse. The gap between the 2020 failed test (involving a rear position lamp and headlamp aim) and the subsequent 2021 failures indicates a period of increased stress or diagnostic uncertainty, while the back-to-back passes in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 demonstrate sustained reliability. With regular intervals between successive MOTs spanning nearly four years each, the maintenance schedule appears adequate for monitoring the vehicle's gradual degradation, though the absence of intermediate failures warrants attention to ensure no latent issues have emerged since the last pre-2021 test. Of particular concern are the historical failures affecting critical suspension components, specifically the offside rear upper coil spring which fractured in 2021 and required replacement, along with the adjacent nearside rear coil spring showing signs of corrosion. A thorough inspection should verify that the replaced coil spring assembly operates smoothly without excessive play or binding when the vehicle is loaded onto a lift, and that the entire rear subframe exhibits no rust penetration at the mounting points where corrosion could compromise structural integrity. Additionally, the 2021 finding of a non-functioning registration plate lamp necessitates confirmation that both side plates illuminate correctly and switch reliably, as persistent electrical faults in this area may indicate broader wiring harness deterioration. Regarding the headlamp alignment issue noted in 2020 and the 2021 failure, a test drive should include a full assessment of front and rear lighting levels, ensuring that beam spread meets legal specifications and that there is no glare to other road users. The nearside rear position lamp circuit should be checked for complete operation across all phases of cycling, and the headlamp aim should be verified against manufacturer specifications, particularly regarding the lower beam angle which affects night-time visibility. Finally, given the substantial mileage and age, paying close attention to any new leaks around the suspension bushings, brake lines, or oil pan during the test drive will help confirm whether the repairs made in 2022 onward have successfully stabilized the vehicle's mechanical condition.