2007 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · T555 ABJ

Structural integrity and the management of fluid leaks represent the primary mechanical narrative for this Transporter, which successfully navigated its most recent MOT on 11 June 2026 without any recorded defects. While the vehicle currently presents a clean bill of health, the history reveals a significant intervention in April 2024 regarding the nearside rear suspension mounting. The transition from a major failure involving structural corrosion to two consecutive clean passes suggests that the necessary remedial work was carried out effectively, though the presence of a recurring minor oil leak noted in previous years warrants continued vigilance during your physical inspection. With an odometer reading of 156,433 miles accumulated over 19 years, the vehicle averages approximately 8,233 miles per annum, a figure that aligns well with typical usage expectations for a commercial platform of this vintage. This consistent pattern of use suggests the vehicle has remained in regular operation rather than suffering from the mechanical degradation often associated with prolonged periods of inactivity. Consequently, you should focus your assessment on the cumulative wear of high-mileage components such as the drivetrain, wheel bearings, and steering rack, rather than concerns regarding perished seals or seized linkages common in long-term storage cases. Given the history of structural corrosion at the rear suspension mounting, your primary task during the test drive is to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the chassis rails and subframe attachment points. Use a torch to examine the area previously marked for repair, looking specifically for inconsistent underseal application, fresh surface oxidation, or signs of poor-quality welding that could compromise the vehicle's rigidity. During the drive, listen intently for any metallic knocking or clunking sounds from the rear axle when traversing uneven surfaces, as these are primary indicators of failing bushes or compromised mounting points that may not have been fully addressed during the previous repair. Regarding the historical oil leak, you should perform a cold start and observe the ground beneath the engine bay for any fresh deposits, followed by a careful inspection of the engine block and turbocharger housing for signs of fresh oil misting or accumulation. If the leak persists, it may be originating from the rocker cover gasket or the sump seal, both of which are common points of failure on high-mileage Volkswagen diesel engines. Finally, ensure the steering remains precise and free of vibrations, as the previous tyre wear issues on the offside front corner can sometimes mask underlying geometry misalignment or worn track rod ends that may require adjustment to prevent premature tyre degradation.