2004 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · T5 RGV

The vehicle shows a recurring pattern of suspension and braking system wear, punctuated by several failures and a consistent stream of advisories. While the latest test on 10 February 2026 resulted in a pass, it flagged slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, continuing a trend of chassis and linkage deterioration seen across multiple years. The record indicates a history of intermittent failures related to lighting and braking efficiency, suggesting a vehicle that requires frequent corrective work to remain roadworthy. With 225,478 miles recorded over approximately 22 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 10,249 miles per year. This level of usage is typical for a commercial vehicle of this age, but the high cumulative mileage places significant stress on the drivetrain and chassis components. The consistency of the mileage accumulation suggests regular use, which increases the likelihood of wear and tear on high-stress items such as suspension bushings, steering rack joints, and brake lines, as evidenced by the historical record. Attention must be paid to the braking system and front-end suspension. The record shows a major failure in early 2023 for a deteriorated offside front brake hose and poor parking brake efficiency, alongside recurring advisories for damaged brake pipes. During a test drive, the buyer should feel for any sponginess in the brake pedal or a lack of holding power from the handbrake on an incline. The repeated mentions of damaged strut tops and corroded coil springs, combined with the most recent advisory for the lower suspension arm ball joint, necessitate a check for clunks or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces or during low-speed steering manoeuvres. The steering system has previously been flagged for play in the nearside front track rod end and the steering rack inner joints. A test drive should include a check for any vagueness in the steering feel or a perceptible dead zone in the steering wheel. Additionally, the history of corroded rear coil springs and perishing tyres suggests a need to inspect the rear chassis and suspension for further corrosion. The presence of repeated lighting failures and windscreen stone chips indicates that a thorough check of all external electrical components and glass integrity is required.