2012 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · MB62 KLB

A pattern of chronic brake, tyre, and underbody corrosion advisories defines the mechanical history of this high-mileage Transporter, with the most recent pass on 27 August 2025 continuing a sequence of tests that have consistently flagged rear brake wear and corroded rear brake pipes. Across the recorded DVSA history from 2020 onwards, the vehicle has accumulated a substantial list of advisories despite never suffering another outright failure following the dangerous defects recorded on 24 August 2020. The rear brake pads have been flagged as wearing thin at three consecutive tests in 2022 and 2023, with the rear brake discs also noted as pitted or scored in 2023. Corrosion advisories on rear brake pipes, covered in grease or other material, appeared at the 2022 failure and the immediately following pass, suggesting ongoing attention to the rear hydraulic system. A rear wheel bearing with slight play and later slight noise was flagged in 2022 and 2023, and the 2025 test recorded both fluctuating rear service brake performance and binding front brake activity in 2024, indicating brake imbalance across both axles that a buyer should not overlook. With 168,576 miles recorded against a 14 year age, this Transporter has accumulated roughly 12,041 miles per year, a notably high annual figure that places proportionate wear on suspension, drivetrain, clutch, and braking components. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing cadence from 2020 to 2025, which suggests continuous use rather than extended standing periods, a usage pattern that tends to keep seals lubricated and prevents the kind of dried-out brake fluid or seized caliper issues that affect laid-up vans, but accelerates wear on consumables. The 2025 advisories include a severely deteriorated offside front drive shaft CV boot, a wear item that would be expected at this mileage and one that requires prompt attention to prevent joint failure. The pattern of front tyre wear close to the legal limit on both sides in 2022, alongside the 2020 dangerous tyre failure caused by structural separation, points to either aggressive tracking geometry, heavy load use, or simply high annual mileage replacing tyres on a frequent basis. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough physical inspection of the rear brake system, as the combination of thin pads, scored discs, and corroded brake pipes recorded between 2022 and 2025 suggests the rear hydraulic circuit may now require pipe replacement or disc and pad renewal. During a test drive, listen for any humming or rumbling from the rear hubs consistent with wheel bearing wear, particularly under load, and feel for any pulling, judder, or uneven pedal response given the binding front caliper advisory from 2024 and fluctuating rear brake performance from 2025. Inspect the offside front CV boot for fresh grease contamination around the joint and check for clicking on full lock, as the deteriorated boot recorded in August 2025 will only have worsened with subsequent mileage. Examine the underbody carefully for evidence of corrosion on the rear brake pipes and subframe mounting areas, particularly given the salted winter use implied by the Scottish test locations, and verify that the previously dangerous central rear seat belt has been correctly replaced, as a clip failure of that severity demands documented rectification. Routine component checks should focus on items that the MOT record cannot fully assess, including the condition of the clutch and dual mass flywheel given the high mileage, any signs of oil misting from the cam chain area or rear main seal, and the state of the anti-roll bar bushes and lower suspension arms, which on T5 generation Transporters commonly require replacement at this mileage band. The nearside front seat belt buckle was noted as slightly damaged in 2024 and should be confirmed as functioning correctly across all positions, while the recurring windscreen chip and loose offside mirror cover are cosmetic concerns that should not influence the mechanical assessment but are worth noting for completeness.