2021 Volkswagen Transporter T30 TDI 2.0L Diesel · SJ71 TYK

The vehicle presents a mixed roadworthiness picture with a clear pattern of neglect followed by reactive repair. The most recent test on 2 September 2025 passed, but only after a failure three days prior at the identical 78,686 miles. That August 2025 failure is concerning, revealing worn rear brake pads, a worn nearside rear tyre, and excessively worn rear anti-roll bar bushes. The presence of a minor oil leak was carried across both the failure and the pass, suggesting it has not been rectified and is being monitored rather than repaired. The maintenance trend is not stable; it shows a history of serious structural defects in 2024 that were addressed, followed by a lapse in basic upkeep by 2025, particularly regarding brakes and tyres. The mileage accumulation tells a significant story. Between the clean pass on 27 August 2024 at 59,433 miles and the tests on 29 August 2025 at 78,686 miles, the vehicle covered 19,253 miles in a single year. This is an exceptionally high annual rate, nearly double the already elevated average of 15,737 miles per year over its five-year life. Such intensive use places accelerated stress on all wearing components, making the recent failure on brake pads and suspension bushes entirely predictable and indicative of a demanding commercial or high-mileage lifestyle. A buyer must treat the rear suspension and braking system as priority inspection points. The 2024 failure identified a fractured offside front anti-roll bar drop link, an insecure nearside front drop link ball joint, and a broken offside rear coil spring. While these were repaired for the subsequent pass, the 2025 failure flagged excessively worn rear anti-roll bar bushes. This recurring focus on the anti-roll bar linkage suggests the components may have been replaced with inferior parts or that the high-mileage use is simply overwhelming the repairs. The fractured coil spring from 2024 is a serious structural failure that warrants a close visual inspection of all four springs for cracks or corrosion. The braking system shows a clear pattern of consumable neglect. The 2024 test found rear brake pads below minimum thickness and significantly worn rear discs. By 2025, the rear pads were again below 1.5mm. Failing twice on brake pad wear within a year strongly implies basic servicing intervals were skipped. A buyer should measure rear disc thickness and inspect the condition of the front brakes, which have not been flagged but will have endured the same high mileage. The persistent minor oil leak also requires investigation to determine its source and whether it is dripping onto brake components or the exhaust.