2014 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · S5 DHW

The 2014 Volkswagen Transporter presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a notably clean bill of health at its most recent MOT. The test conducted on 6 August 2025 at 116,481 miles passed with zero defects recorded, a significant turnaround from the previous five years of testing. This clean sheet suggests the previous owner addressed the lingering issues that had appeared repeatedly in earlier records, indicating a period of attentive maintenance rather than neglect. The vehicle's mileage accumulation is consistent and predictable, reinforcing the impression of regular use rather than long periods of dormancy. Between the 2024 test on 30 August at 109,431 miles and the 2025 test on 6 August at 116,481 miles, the van covered 7,050 miles in just under twelve months. Looking further back, the annual increments remain steady, with 7,209 miles added between August 2023 and August 2024, and 7,210 miles between August 2022 and August 2023. This pattern of roughly 7,000 to 7,200 miles per year is entirely typical for a working van of this age and points to consistent, real-world usage rather than clocked or sporadic mileage. The historical record reveals a recurring theme around seat belt webbing condition that persisted across four consecutive tests from 2021 through 2024. The 2021 test on 30 September at 89,696 miles flagged fraying on the middle front seat belt, and subsequent tests in 2022, 2023, and 2024 each identified slightly damaged webbing on various front seat belt positions. The fact that this defect does not appear in the August 2025 test strongly implies the webbing was replaced, which is a positive sign of remedial work. The 2021 test also flagged both front tyres worn close to the legal limit, a consumable wear item that would have needed replacement regardless, and one that does not indicate any deeper mechanical concern. A buyer inspecting this van in person should focus on the structural integrity of the load floor and chassis mounts, as the Transporter platform is prone to corrosion in these areas over time, particularly around the rear crossmember and outriggers. The front suspension bushes and drop links deserve close scrutiny given the mileage, and a road test should verify smooth brake operation without drag or uneven pull, as binding calipers and uneven disc wear are common on vans that spend time carrying loads. The clean 2025 MOT is encouraging, but a physical inspection underneath remains essential to confirm there is no hidden corrosion or deferred mechanical work beneath the surface.