2020 Volkswagen Transporter T28 Highline TDI 2.0L Diesel · MR03 DAS

The most recent MOT on 25 June 2026 recorded a pass overall but flagged a failure of the nearside rear stop‑lamp, meaning the vehicle would not be legally road‑worthy until that lamp is repaired. Apart from that isolated lighting fault the test showed no other defects, which is an improvement on the 2025 MOT where a serious front‑right shock absorber leak and multiple tyre‑wear advisories were recorded. The 2024 MOT was clean, so the trend is generally stable with the exception of the 2025 shock‑absorber issue that appears to have been resolved, while the current lighting fault is a minor, inexpensive rectification. At 119 725 miles the van averages roughly 19 900 miles per annum, a usage rate well above the typical 10‑12 000 miles expected for a light commercial vehicle of this age. Such high mileage accelerates wear on consumables – tyre tread, suspension bushings, brake pads and discs, and the timing‑belt or chain if fitted – and can also indicate that the engine and transmission have been subjected to sustained load cycles. If the mileage spikes were the result of long periods of idling or short‑haul duty, additional stress would be placed on the cooling system and oil circulation, making the earlier oil‑leak advisory worth revisiting. A prospective buyer should verify that the nearside rear stop‑lamp is now operational and that the wiring harness and bulb are in good condition, as a faulty stop‑lamp can mask rear‑end brake‑system issues during a test drive. The front‑right shock absorber should be inspected for any residual fluid seepage, worn mounts or reduced damping; symptoms to listen for include a pronounced clunk when traversing bumps or a “soft” feel when braking heavily. Both rear tyres were noted as close to the legal tread limit in 2025, so a fresh measurement of tread depth, sidewall integrity and even wear pattern is essential – uneven wear could point to mis‑aligned suspension or worn rear‑axle bushes. The oil‑leak advisory, although classified as non‑excessive, should be checked for fresh oil stains around the valve cover or oil pan, and the engine oil should be sampled for contamination, as prolonged low‑level oil can affect bearing life. Given the vehicle’s age of six years, even with high mileage, time‑related degradation must be addressed. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, especially if the tyres are original, and consider replacing them if more than three years old regardless of tread depth. Examine the 12 V battery for sulphation and confirm a healthy cranking voltage; a battery over three years old may need replacement. Check the condition of the brake discs for surface rust or scoring, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding – a common issue in vans that sit idle for periods. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes, coolant flushes and filter replacements at the manufacturer‑specified intervals, as calendar‑based fluid degradation can be as detrimental as mileage‑driven wear.