2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · SY17 LHW

The Volkswagen Transporter’s most recent MOT test on 3 June 2025 at 92,268 miles passed, but with a minor advisory on the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showing slight play—a condition that, while not failing the test, suggests cumulative wear in the suspension geometry. The preceding year’s record reveals a concerning pattern: the vehicle failed twice in May 2024 at 74,259 miles, with critical failures in both front constant velocity (CV) joint boots (a known precursor to joint failure and grease contamination) and dangerously thin rear brake pads (below the 1.5mm legal limit). While the 2023 and 2022 tests showed no defects, the 2024 failures indicate a sudden deterioration in maintenance standards, likely due to deferred servicing or neglect. The 2025 pass suggests the CV boots were replaced and brake pads refreshed, but the lingering anti-roll bar issue implies further suspension inspection is warranted. The recorded mileage progression of roughly 10,252 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between the 2023 (60,490 miles) and 2024 (74,259 miles) tests—just over a year—hints at either inconsistent servicing or periods of low activity. The 2022 test at 47,020 miles, just under a year prior, also stands out for minor but notable corrosion advisories on the rear brake pipes, covered in grease or debris, which could signal poor underbody protection or fluid leaks. These advisories, while not failing, point to long-term neglect of fluid systems and undercarriage maintenance. The most recent test in 2025, just over a year after the failures, suggests the vehicle was brought in for repairs post-failure, but the absence of further advisories does not guarantee all underlying issues have been fully addressed. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front CV joints and their boots, particularly for signs of grease leakage or joint play, as the 2024 failures were severe and could recur. The rear brakes, though passed in 2025, warrant thickness checks on all pads and discs, given the 2024 failure; uneven wear or glazing would indicate poor stopping performance. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play noted in 2025 should be reassessed for excessive movement, as this could affect handling and tyre wear. Corrosion on the rear brake pipes from 2022 remains a red flag—inspect for rust penetration, fluid leaks, or improper sealing, as these can compromise hydraulic integrity. Suspension bushes (including the anti-roll bar mounts) and coil springs should be examined for cracking or deformation, while the underbody should be scrutinised for signs of structural rust, particularly around the sills and wheel arches, given the 2022 advisories.