2004 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · ML51 BAS
2004 Volkswagen Transporter (1.9L, diesel). First registered 15 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 259,719 miles. MOT valid until 02 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 259,719 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
ML51 BAS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/02/2026
- 259,719 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ML51 BAS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Volkswagen Transporter (ML51 BAS) between July 2023 and February 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (11 issues), Steering (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”; “Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))”.
ML51 BAS Mileage History
- 03/07/2023251,278 mi
- 19/07/2023251,329 mi+51 mi
- 29/01/2025255,663 mi+4,334 mi
- 29/01/2025255,663 mi
- 03/02/2026259,719 mi+4,056 mi
Average of roughly 3,258 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This is a high-mileage vehicle with a history of significant mechanical wear and recurring suspension and safety issues, suggesting it is nearing the end of its cost-effective life.
At this mileage level, your priority must be the structural integrity and engine de-health. Ask for a comprehensive service history, specifically looking for timing belt and water pump replacements records, which are critical for the 1.9L TDI engine. Given the history of coolant leaks and emission failures in 2023, the cooling system and fuel injectors should be checked for signs of further wear.
Inspect the underside thoroughly for rust. The MOT history shows recurring issues with brake pipes and suspension arms, which are common on older vans but exacerbated if left untreated. Negotiate aggressively based on the likely need for upcoming maintenance on the steering rack, CV joints, and shock absorbers, which have been flagged multiple times in the last three years.
Running costs for this vehicle are high due to its age and high mileage. While the diesel engine is known for efficiency, expect around 30-35 mpg depending on load. Tax bands for this era are typically mid-range, and insurance can be pricey depending on your risk profile.
Maintenance will be significant; the vehicle has shown frequent failures in consumable wear items. You should budget an annual running cost of approximately £2,500-£3,500 to cover fuel, tax, and the inevitable mechanical repairs.
Focus heavily on the front end and suspension. The MOT history shows a pattern of worn ball joints, suspension arms, and anti-roll bar links. During the test drive, listen for knocking or feel play in the steering wheel to ensure the steering rack issues noted in 2023 have been addressed.
Check the brake system specifically for corrosion, as 2017 saw major failures on brake pipes and hoses. Also, inspect the CV boots for tears; these have been a recurring weakness for this vehicle. Finally, check the driver's seat belt webbing, which has been flagged as damaged/frayed for several years and is a safety concern.
This 2004 Volkswagen Transporter has covered over 259,000 miles, placing it well above the average mileage. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals persistent issues related to suspension components, brake corrosion, and emissions. The presence of a 'Dangerous' tyre failure and multiple major suspension failures indicates a vehicle that has suffered from reactive rather than preventative maintenance.
The 1.9 TDI engine in this generation is considered robust if maintained, but older examples are prone to turbo wear and injector issues at high mileage.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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