2020 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Highline TDI 2.0L Diesel · LR70 FWH

The most recent DVSA inspection dated 30 August 2025 resulted in a failure because both rear stop lamps were not functioning, while a number of advisory items – notably tyre condition and a light oil mist on the off‑side front shock absorber – were also recorded. Over the preceding three years the vehicle consistently passed its MOT, albeit with recurring advisories on tyre wear, a minor windscreen chip and a small oil leak. The emergence of a definitive safety‑critical fault after a period of relatively clean passes indicates a slight deterioration in the maintenance regime, rather than a dramatic decline. At six years old the van has logged 65,068 miles, averaging roughly 10,800 miles per annum. This is within the normal band for a light commercial vehicle of this age and suggests a balanced usage pattern rather than excessive short‑trip wear or prolonged idle periods. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would imply long periods of storage, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to the mileage rather than to calendar age alone. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre set. The MOT advisories flag cracking or perishing on both rear tyres and a cut on the nearside front tyre; these are classic signs of rubber ageing and sidewall stress that can progress rapidly, especially if the vehicle has been driven on uneven surfaces. Inspect the tread depth, sidewall integrity and look for any bulges or exposed cords; any indication of dry rot or a cut approaching the ply warrants immediate replacement. While on the road, listen for a thumping or vibration that may indicate a tyre developing a bubble, and feel for any pull to one side that could reveal uneven wear or alignment issues. The rear stop‑lamp failure points to a likely wiring harness or bulb fault that should be rectified before the next test; a simple visual check of the rear lamp clusters for corroded contacts, cracked sockets or blown bulbs is advisable. The light oil mist on the front shock absorber suggests the seal is beginning to leak, which can lead to reduced damping performance and a noisy, mushy ride; a test‑drive should reveal any clunking or excessive bounce over bumps. The advisory oil leak, although described as not excessive, should be traced – common sources on this model include the valve cover gasket or oil filter housing – and the oil level and condition verified. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, confirm the health of the 12 V battery, examine the brake discs for surface rust or scoring, and ensure the service history shows timely oil and filter changes, as these calendar‑based items are critical to long‑term reliability.