2010 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · RF10 ESY

A recurring theme of front suspension wear and persistent minor screen damage dominates the MOT history of this 2010 Volkswagen Transporter, suggesting that the chassis components are showing their age despite the vehicle generally passing its annual roadworthiness assessments. The most recent test on 29 July 2026 resulted in a pass, though it came just eight days after a failure on 21 July 2026 where the same windscreen damage and defective wiper blade were again recorded. Across the two most recent examinations, advisories were issued for exhaust box outer skin corrosion, a nail in the nearside rear tyre, and a rear brake disc noted as worn, pitted or scored though not seriously weakened at that stage. Earlier records indicate the front suspension has been flagged repeatedly, with a nearside front Macpherson strut top mount bush and both front suspension arm ball joints and pins highlighted in 2025, alongside a deteriorated ball joint dust cover on both sides of the front axle noted in 2024. Only one outright failure appears in the recorded history, a 2023 test where the nearside rear reflector was recorded as missing, and three earlier tests in 2021, 2022, and 2023 passed with no defects recorded at all. Recorded mileage of 129,297 miles over a sixteen year life equates to roughly 8,081 miles per year, which sits close to the typical annual accumulation for a working van of this vintage. The test entries remain fairly regular on an annual basis from 2021 onwards, suggesting consistent use rather than long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears proportionate to the intervals involved with no obvious gaps or sudden jumps. At this mileage level on a Transporter of this generation, wear on consumable braking components, steering and suspension linkages, and exhaust mounting hardware is entirely expected, and the recorded advisories largely align with what would be anticipated from a higher mileage commercial vehicle that has seen steady service. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension components warrant close physical inspection. The repeated advisories relating to Macpherson strut top mount bushes, suspension arm ball joint dust covers, and worn pins on both sides of the front axle indicate that the rubber elements and pivot bushings are reaching the end of their service life. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed humps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or shuddering through the steering wheel on uneven surfaces. With the engine stationary, attempt to rock each front wheel vertically and laterally at the hub to detect any looseness in the strut top mounts or arm joints, and inspect the visible rubber boots and dust covers for splits or perishing. Pay particular attention to whether any new advisories have appeared on the most recent test that might suggest these components have moved from advisory status to a more serious defect. The braking system and underbody also merit a focused check given the recent advisory regarding the rear brake disc. On the road, listen for any scraping, grinding, or rhythmic squealing from the rear wheels under light braking, and feel for any judder or vibration through the pedal or chassis when the brakes are applied from speed. Inspect the rear brake disc surfaces visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, deep scoring, or visible corrosion pitting that could indicate the disc has thinned beyond service limits. The exhaust box outer skin corrosion noted in 2026 should be examined by tapping the box gently to detect any thin or holed sections, and the underside should be checked for any further corrosion around mounting brackets or heat shields. Finally, confirm the nearside rear tyre has been repaired or replaced to address the recorded nail, ensure the rear reflector is correctly fitted following the 2023 failure, and verify that the windscreen damage remains outside the driver's primary line of sight, as these minor items have appeared consistently across recent tests and would be worth resolving before the next examination.