2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · SY17 LHR

The Volkswagen Transporter’s most recent MOT, conducted just four months ago on 5 March 2026 at 108,802 miles, passed with a single advisory for worn front suspension arm bushes—an issue that has persisted across three consecutive tests since March 2024. While the vehicle remains roadworthy, the recurrence of this fault suggests a lack of proactive maintenance, as the same components have been flagged without resolution over 4,662 miles of accumulated wear. The only other notable entry in this period was the March 2024 failure, where the same suspension advisory was paired with an inoperative engine management light (MIL), indicating either a diagnostic oversight or a deliberate deferral of repairs. The absence of further engine-related advisories in the latest tests implies either a temporary fix or a benign fault that no longer triggers the warning, though this cannot be confirmed without deeper diagnostics. The mileage accumulation—averaging roughly 12,089 miles per year—is high for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the absence of extended periods of low or zero activity. Between March 2023 and March 2026, the odometer climbed by 7,802 miles in just 12 months, a rate that accelerates wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. The most recent 1,852-mile jump between the March 2025 and March 2026 tests further underscores this trend, with no evidence of prolonged storage or reduced usage to mitigate fatigue. Such mileage levels would typically demand closer scrutiny of tyre condition, brake pad thickness, and fluid levels, none of which appear in the MOT history, raising questions about whether routine servicing has been neglected. For a prospective buyer, the primary concern lies in the front suspension, where the repeated advisories on the wishbone bushes—now spanning nearly two years—signal potential long-term handling issues if left unaddressed. The bushes’ gradual wear could eventually lead to excessive movement, compromising steering stability and tyre alignment. Beyond this, the 2024 MIL failure, though not repeated, warrants investigation, as it may indicate unresolved engine or emissions-related issues. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough inspection should also verify the condition of the rear shock absorbers, which were noted for light oil misting in 2023, as well as the structural integrity of the front and rear subframes for signs of corrosion or fatigue. The deteriorated registration plate, while minor, hints at potential neglect in basic vehicle care, which may extend to other overlooked areas.