2004 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · N4 FMS

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach. While it passed the test in November 2025 at 101,511 miles, this followed a failure just one day prior. The trend shows a worsening pattern regarding suspension and steering components, as evidenced by the high volume of mechanical advisories recorded between 2024 and 2025, suggesting that parts are only replaced once they reach the point of failure. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 101,511 miles is remarkably low for a Transporter, averaging approximately 4,600 miles per year. This low usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components due to age rather than mechanical wear. The data gap between November 2023 at 93,128 miles and November 2024 at 98,397 miles shows consistent annual use of roughly 5,000 miles, yet the vehicle suffered multiple critical failures in the joints and steering components despite the low distance covered. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering assembly. The 2024 failure highlighted excessive play in the track rod end, suspension arm ball joint, and anti-roll bar joints, alongside inner steering rack play, which indicates the entire front end is nearing its limit. The split offside front CV boot noted in the November 2025 failure requires immediate verification to prevent catastrophic damage to the drive shaft joint. Attention is also required at the rear of the vehicle regarding structural corrosion. The corroded nearside rear coil spring identified in 2024 is a common weakness on these models and can lead to structural fracture. Furthermore, the thin rear brake pads flagged in the most recent 2025 test suggest that the braking system is due for service. Check the discs for surface pitting or thinning, as low-mileage vehicles often sit for long periods, leading to accelerated oxidation on the braking surfaces.