2007 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · RG07 DUB

A pattern of chronic rear brake pipe corrosion dominates the recorded MOT history of this 2007 Volkswagen Transporter, appearing as an advisory in 2021, 2024, 2025, and again at the most recent test on 6 August 2026, with a fail on 27 July 2026 also attributable in part to the broader braking system failing the parking brake efficiency check. Beyond the brake line issue, the front suspension has shown progressive wear: both front suspension arm rear bushes were flagged with movement in 2025, the lower arm ball joints were noted with play in 2021, both track rod ends had to be replaced that year following a fail for excessive play, and an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showed slight play in 2023. The latest test did record a pass, but the same advisory on both rear inner brake pipes remains in place, suggesting that any remediation undertaken in the intervening ten days between the failure and the pass addressed only the parking brake efficiency rather than the corroded pipework itself. The condition of the underbody brake lines therefore remains the principal long-term mechanical concern, compounded by a deteriorating front suspension and a recurring oil leak noted in 2023. With seven recorded MOT tests between 2021 and 2026 and an odometer reading of 149,531 miles, the vehicle has averaged roughly 19,000 miles per year across the documented period, comfortably above the 7,870 mile annual rate implied by the full 19-year age span. This indicates that the bulk of mileage has accumulated in more recent working life rather than being evenly distributed, which has clear mechanical implications: braking components, suspension consumables, CV boots, and drivetrain seals have all been subjected to active use rather than long static periods. The fact that an offside front outer CV boot was flagged as severely deteriorated at the 2025 test is consistent with this level of regular use, as constant velocity gaiters degrade progressively with mileage and road debris exposure. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority on inspection is the rear brake pipework, which has been repeatedly flagged over four consecutive test cycles. The advisories specifically reference both rear inner pipes and the section before the rear axle flexi, meaning the corrosion lies along the underfloor runs rather than at easily accessible unions. On a test drive, listen for any hiss or soft pedal feel that might indicate fluid weep from the corroded sections, and visually inspect the pipes from beneath for blistering, flaking, or green staining. Replacement of these sections can be straightforward on a Transporter, but if corrosion has spread to the front-to-rear main line or to the four-way unions near the fuel tank area, the labour cost can rise sharply, so a thorough ramp inspection is advisable before purchase. The front suspension also warrants close attention. Both track rod ends and both lower arm ball joints were replaced following the 2021 fail, and the rear bushes on the front suspension arms were noted as worn in 2025, which on a Transporter of this mileage is a typical wear pattern rather than an unexpected finding. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly when turning into a kerb, as worn arm bushes commonly produce a dull thud rather than a sharp rattle. Check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would confirm geometry issues stemming from worn suspension components, and feel for any vagueness or wandering in the steering. The minor oil leak noted in 2023 should also be inspected from beneath to establish whether it is a minor cam chain area weep or something more significant such as a crankshaft seal, and a check of the CV boots for fresh grease splatter will confirm whether the 2025 deterioration has progressed further.