2011 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · RO61 AFE

The 2025‑12‑02 MOT at 161,879 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester noted a noisy power‑steering system, an insecure undertray, a slightly damaged rear lamp lens and a front tyre worn close to the legal limit. The rear track‑rod end showed slight play. Compared with the 2023 failures involving fractured coil springs and tyre bulges, the 2024 and 2025 tests show a reduction in severe structural defects, indicating a modest improvement in maintenance, though recurring suspension and brake wear persists. The vehicle’s mileage has risen from 98,678 miles in March 2017 to 161,879 miles in December 2025, an average annual increase of roughly 10,800 miles, which aligns with typical usage for a 15‑year‑old van. The jump from 136,584 miles in November 2022 to 145,204 miles in November 2023 represents a 8,600‑mile increase in one year, while the subsequent rise to 154,136 miles in December 2024 is only 9,000 miles, suggesting steady but not accelerated use. A buyer should therefore inspect the suspension geometry, paying close attention to the condition of the track‑rod ends, ball joints, anti‑roll bar linkages and the bottom shock bushes, all of which have repeatedly shown play or wear. The rear brake discs, which have been recorded as very worn and pitted in 2023 and 2024, merit a thorough measurement and visual check for scoring. The power‑steering belt and pump, the undertray fixings, and the integrity of the rear coil springs should also be examined, as previous failures involved these components. Finally, the condition of the rear tyres, especially any signs of bulging or structural separation, must be verified before purchase.