2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · RO17 ORN

A pattern of rear-end component degradation characterizes this vehicle's roadworthiness history, marked by failures involving both the suspension and tyre safety. While the vehicle achieved a clean pass on 18 November 2025, this followed a major failure just weeks prior due to fractured rear coil springs on both sides. This trend, coupled with previous dangerous failures for rear tyre tread depth, suggests a history of significant stress or wear on the rear axle assembly. With 90,111 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the vehicle has covered an average of 10,012 miles per year. This usage profile is typical for a Transporter of this vintage and indicates a steady accumulation of wear across the drivetrain and chassis. Mechanically, this mileage suggests that while the vehicle has not been excessively worked, it has reached a stage where standard wear-and-tear items, such as suspension bushings and braking consumables, require close monitoring. Given the documented failure of both rear coil springs and the recurring issues with rear tyre wear, a focused inspection of the rear suspension geometry is essential. During a test drive, listen for any knocks or thumps when traversing uneven surfaces, which could indicate that the replacement springs are not seated correctly or that associated suspension bushes have perished. Pay close attention to the vehicle's stability under load and ensure there is no perceptible steering pull or drifting. A physical inspection of the current rear tyres is necessary to ensure they are wearing evenly across the tread. The previous record of dangerous tread depth on the nearside rear, followed by advisories for the offside rear, may point to underlying alignment issues or binding calipers. Check for any uneven shoulder wear or scalloping on the tyres, as this would confirm a need for a full four-wheel alignment or further investigation into the rear axle's structural integrity.