2016 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · RJ16 OWD

The vehicle most recently presented for DVSA testing on 1 September 2026 and achieved a Pass, though two advisories were issued concerning both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the maintenance trajectory has remained broadly stable but is now showing signs of late-life wear as the vehicle approaches the 210,000 mile mark. The 2024 and 2025 tests were both clean or carried only minor advisories, while the most recent test has flagged consumable wear on the front tyres. A previous failure on 6 September 2021 relating to a missing anti-roll bar linkage bolt and an insecure spare wheel was rectified at the same test, and subsequent annual passes suggest no recurring structural issues since that time. The advisory noted at the 2021 failure regarding front brake pads wearing thin appears to have been addressed, as no further brake pad advisories have been recorded. With 208,324 miles accumulated over approximately ten years, the vehicle is running at an average of just over 20,800 miles per year, which is considerably higher than typical mileage for a Transporter of this age. Such intensive commercial-style use will accelerate wear on all major mechanical assemblies, particularly the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger, suspension bushes, coil springs, wheel bearings, and drivetrain components. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, which suggests the vehicle has been in continuous service rather than left standing, and continuous high mileage generally keeps internal lubrication circulated but places heavy demand on wear components, brake systems, and tyres. Given the advisory on both front tyres, a prospective buyer should conduct a careful inspection of all four tyres for tread depth across the full width, paying particular attention to inner and outer shoulder wear which can indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak top mounts. Edge wear often points to incorrect camber settings, so a four-wheel alignment check would be prudent. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as anti-roll bar drop links, bushes, and wishbone components are known wear items on high-mileage Transporters and any recurring issue around these areas should be noted given the historical failure on the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage. Brake feel should also be evaluated for any pulling, vibration through the pedal, or shudder under braking, as the vehicle has now covered substantial mileage since the brake disc advisories recorded in 2020. The advisory recorded at the 2025 test regarding a damaged but not excessive offside rear brake cable should be physically inspected to confirm it has not deteriorated further, as a seized or partially binding cable can lead to uneven braking, accelerated rear pad and shoe wear, and reduced efficiency of the handbrake mechanism. With high annual mileage, the timing belt or cam belt replacement interval becomes critical, and confirmation of the exact date and mileage of the last change should be obtained from the service book, as failure of this component on a high-mileage T5 or T6 Transporter engine typically results in catastrophic engine damage. Likewise, the 12V battery, coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox or clutch fluid should be verified as within service intervals, as calendar age degrades these fluids regardless of distance covered. Given the wear pattern shown on the MOT record, budgeting for imminent replacement of all four tyres, a full brake inspection including pads, discs, and the rear brake cable, along with a comprehensive suspension overhaul, would be a sensible precaution for any prospective purchaser of this high-mileage example.