2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · RA06 DUB

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2017 Volkswagen Transporter, conducted on 6 October 2025, resulted in a pass; however, it should be noted that a failure was issued on the identical date prior to remedial work being carried out, with the same advisories and minor defects retained. The maintenance trend across the recorded history shows a gradual but clear deterioration in the front suspension and steering area. The 2023 tests returned clean results, whereas the 2024 examination introduced advisories regarding worn front suspension arm pins or bushes, and by late 2025 the condition had progressed to include deteriorated ball joint dust covers, a worn inner drive shaft joint, and slight play in an anti-roll bar linkage. This trajectory suggests that the front-end consumable components are entering a phase of compounded wear rather than stable condition, and a prospective buyer should treat the suspension subframe as a priority inspection area. With a recorded mileage of 89,931 miles over approximately nine years of service, this Transporter is averaging close to 10,000 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical commercial or domestic use for a vehicle of this type. There are no conspicuous gaps in the recorded mileage progression to suggest extended periods of standing, nor any indication of unusually high annual accumulation. The mileage is sufficient to warrant thorough evaluation of high-wear items such as the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if manually equipped, turbocharger actuation, timing chain or cambelt service intervals, and the condition of the diesel particulate filter, but it does not place the vehicle into an excessively high-mileage bracket that would automatically imply imminent major mechanical expenditure. The recurring advisories relating to the front suspension and steering should be carefully evaluated during any physical inspection and test drive. The deteriorated lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides indicate that the rubber boots have perished, which if left unaddressed will allow moisture and dirt ingress into the joint, accelerating wear and potentially leading to play, knocking over uneven surfaces, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. Similarly, the worn offside inner drive shaft joint warrants attention; listen for a clicking or knocking noise from the front of the vehicle during sharp low-speed turning manoeuvres, which is the classic symptom of a failing CV or tripod joint. The slight play noted in the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint can manifest as a clonking sound when traversing speed bumps or during assertive cornering, and while it was within advisory limits, continued deterioration will necessitate replacement. A thorough road test should include driving over broken surfaces, full-lock turns in both directions, and emergency braking to identify any underlying issues that may not be evident on a stationary inspection. Given the age and mileage, attention should also be directed towards items that deteriorate with calendar time regardless of recorded mileage. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds harden over time even where tread depth remains adequate; check the rear brake discs for corrosion or evidence of binding calipers, which can occur through infrequent heavy use. Verify the age and state of charge of the 12-volt battery, as a nine-year-old unit is likely approaching the end of its service life. Confirm that brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable transmission and power steering fluids have been changed in line with manufacturer schedules, as these degrade over time rather than through use alone. Finally, request the full service history to ensure that the cambelt or timing chain interval, typically a critical service item on VW commercial diesel units, has been observed within the prescribed mileage or age window, and check the condition of the underbody and exhaust mounting points for corrosion, which is a common concern on Transporter chassis of this generation.