2004 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · MW04 KPR

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a gradual degradation of front-end suspension components. The most recent test in July 2025 at 134,283 miles identified wear-related play in the offside front track rod end and a severely deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint. These issues follow a 2024 advisory regarding light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, indicating that the suspension system is reaching the end of its operational life. At 134,283 miles over 22 years, the Trans averages approximately 6,100 miles per year, which is consistent with low-use patterns for this age. There is a notable gap in mileage accumulation between December 2021 and May 2023, where only 1,604 miles were covered, suggesting the vehicle sat for extended periods. Such low-frequency use often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to age rather than mechanical wear, which explains the recurring failures of the anti-roll bar bushes and ball joints. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension to assess the extent of the perished rubberwork and the play in the ball joints. The progression from a misty shock absorber in 2024 to mechanical defects in 2025 suggests that the front assembly is failing systematically. Given the age of the Transporter, specific attention should also be paid to checking for structural corrosion on the chassis and suspension mounting points, as the record does not explicitly detail structural integrity beyond the passing tests.