2007 Volkswagen Transporter 1.9L Diesel · T5 FWK

The 2007 VW Transporter's MOT record reveals a pattern of recurring minor advisories interspersed with one major failure, followed by a clean pass in December 2025. The 2025-11-13 test resulted in a fail due to a non-working near-side side repeater and bulging rear brake hose under pressure, while the subsequent 2025-12-12 test achieved a pass despite these prior issues. This indicates the vehicle accumulated technical deficiencies over two years but appears to have been brought back to compliance at the end of the period, suggesting intermittent rather than progressive deterioration. The overall trajectory suggests manageable maintenance history with isolated problem areas that were resolved before the final examination. With approximately 19 years of ownership and 227,560 recorded miles—roughly 12,000 miles per annum—the vehicle's usage aligns reasonably with its age, though the rate of accumulation is moderate. There are notable gaps between tests, particularly the absence of an MOT between August 2022 and September 2024, creating a seven-month interval during which unrecorded driving could have impacted component life. The steady increase from 2021 through 2022 shows gradual wear progression across the chassis and drivetrain, consistent with normal depreciation for this model year at this mileage level. Several components require close attention during a test drive: the near-side and off-side front/cover boots on the CV system have shown signs of perishing on both axles, which may manifest as increased noise or vibration when turning corners; inspect the boot seams for cracks or tears and listen for grinding when braking. All four brake discs are reported as rusty and showing surface pitting, so apply firm braking at speed and watch for heat buildup or pulsating pedal feedback. The steering rack gaiter was found twisted in August 2023 and should be checked for play in the inner joints during rotation, while the front shock absorber exhibits oil misting—a symptom best felt as a softness or sponginess in the ride comfort when the vehicle is loaded. Additionally, the registration lamp issue from late 2023 remains unresolved and may affect lighting functionality if not addressed separately. Buyers should prioritize verifying that the rear brake hose is free of bulges or kinks and confirm the brake discs remain within safe wear limits through a visual inspection and firm stop test. The twin CV boot failures represent potential leakage risks; a gentle turn on a straight road should reveal any audible whining or wet-footing sounds from the affected side. The twisting gaiter and oil-misty shock indicate underlying suspension stress that could develop into binding or loss of control characteristics if left unaddressed. Finally, ensure the registration lamp operates correctly and the interior lights function fully, as the earlier inoperable lamp noted in 2025-12-12 suggests possible electrical circuit issues that may recur if wiring has degraded over the past year.