2004 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · RF54 HSJ

The vehicle currently presents a stable roadworthiness profile with a clear trend of improving maintenance following a difficult period. After a failure in June 2022, the Transporter passed three consecutive MOT tests without any recorded defects. The most recent test conducted in October 2025 at 158,330 miles returned a clean sheet, indicating that the previous mechanical issues were addressed and the vehicle has maintained its standards over the last three years. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 158,330 represents an average annual usage of approximately 7,200 miles, which is consistent with typical light use for this age. The data shows steady accumulation over the last few years, with 1,163 miles recorded between June 2023 and October 2024, and another 2,326 miles between October 2024 and October 2025. This consistent movement suggests the vehicle is used regularly rather than sitting for long periods, which often helps prevent premature degradation of seals and moisture-related corrosion. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the suspension and braking components, as the 2022 failure highlighted a fractured nearside rear coil spring and a perished anti-roll bar linkage. While these were rectified, the age of the vehicle means that rubber bushes and ball joints should be checked for cracking or excessive play. The history of thin brake pads and pitted rear discs in 2022 indicates that the braking system requires regular attention, so a manual check of current pad thickness and caliper condition is necessary. Given the age of the Transporter, a thorough check of the structural integrity along the sills and wing arches remains essential to ensure no hidden corrosion has developed despite the clean MOT history.