2009 Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Diesel · WM09 ECE

The Volkswagen Transporter presented a clean PASS at its most recent DVSA MOT test on 28 November 2025, with no advisories or defects recorded against the vehicle. Looking back through the recent history, the trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, with each annual test since the 2020 parking brake episode returning a pass. However, it is important to note that several advisories have accumulated across consecutive tests, particularly concerning front steering and suspension components, as well as exhaust condition and undertray fitment obscuring the inspector's view. While none of these have yet crossed the threshold into failure, the recurring nature of front-end wear items on a vehicle of this age and mileage is a useful indicator that the front suspension and steering assemblies are beginning to require closer attention. A prospective buyer should not interpret the clean latest pass as proof of mechanical perfection, but rather as evidence that the vehicle remains roadworthy while certain components are approaching the point of needing replacement. At 130,453 recorded miles over approximately seventeen years, this Transporter averages around 7,674 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial vehicle of this age. The mileage progression across the MOT history does not show any obvious gaps in recording, suggesting the van has been in fairly consistent use rather than laid up for prolonged periods. That said, vans of this vintage and mileage pattern tend to experience elevated wear on high-stress components including clutch assemblies, dual-mass flywheels if applicable, turbocharger systems on the diesel variants, and rear leaf springs or torsion bar elements depending on specification. The cumulative wear associated with commercial-style loading cycles, even at moderate annual mileages, can accelerate degradation of driveline mounts and suspension bushes beyond what the odometer alone would suggest. Given the advisories relating to the nearside front steering rack inner joint and the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint recorded in 2022 and 2021 respectively, a careful buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, track rod ends, or control arm bushes. Check for uneven front tyre wear, particularly inner shoulder wear which can point to worn suspension bushes allowing excessive camber or toe movement, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering. The 2023 advisory regarding the rear exhaust silencer being slightly loose with outer skin deterioration is also worth inspecting visually, as exhaust sections on T5 generation Transporters commonly corrode at mounting brackets and joints, producing rattles on tickover and increasing cabin noise. Replacement is relatively straightforward but should be budgeted for. Beyond the advisory-led concerns, a seventeen year old commercial vehicle warrants several age-related checks regardless of MOT outcome. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing even if tread depth remains legal, as rubber compounds degrade with age and standing vans are particularly susceptible to ozone damage. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, given that commercial vans often suffer from shortened battery life due to frequent short journeys and prolonged standing with parasitic drains. Inspect all brake discs for signs of severe corrosion or pitting around the outer edges, and verify that the calipers are releasing cleanly without binding, especially on a vehicle that has done 130,000 miles. Confirm the service book history with particular reference to timing belt replacement if this is a diesel variant, as the T5 range typically requires belt renewal at intervals that would place any original belt well past its service life. Finally, ensure all fluid changes have been carried out on a calendar basis including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil, as time-based degradation is just as relevant as mileage-based servicing on a van of this vintage.