2017 Volkswagen Transporter 2.0L Diesel · YR67 FCZ

The Volkswagen Transporter’s most recent MOT, conducted on 3 June 2025 at 112,625 miles, passed but revealed a persistent issue with the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint exhibiting slight play—a fault that had already been recorded in the prior test on 13 June 2024 at 99,362 miles. This suggests the problem has gone unaddressed for at least a year, indicating either neglect or repeated deferral by previous owners. While no major structural or safety-critical failures have emerged since 2023, the recurrence of this suspension component fault points to a vehicle that has not been subject to proactive maintenance. The absence of defects in the 2023 test at 82,500 miles contrasts sharply with the subsequent entries, implying either a change in usage intensity or a lapse in attention to wear items. The mileage accumulation of roughly 12,500 miles annually is high for a vehicle of this age, particularly when contrasted with the 13,887-mile gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (82,500 to 99,362 miles) and the 13,263-mile jump from 2024 to 2025 (99,362 to 112,625 miles). This suggests either consistent heavy use or, more likely, a period of inactivity followed by renewed operation. The 2022 test at 68,613 miles—just 13,887 miles apart from the 2023 test—indicates the vehicle may have sat unused for a time before being driven aggressively. Such patterns often correlate with irregular maintenance, as owners prioritise short-term mobility over long-term component health. A prospective buyer should prioritise an inspection of the front suspension, particularly the anti-roll bar linkages, given their repeated flagging. The ball joints should be checked for excessive wear or corrosion, as slight play can degrade into a safety risk if ignored. The 2022 MOT also highlighted tyre wear at the legal limit, suggesting either aggressive driving or underinflation; buyers should verify tread depth across all four tyres and inspect for uneven wear patterns. The recurring registration plate lamp faults, while non-critical, imply electrical or wiring issues that may recur. Finally, the stop lamp advisory from 2022 should be rechecked, as multiple light source failures can indicate a broader electrical or sensor problem. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough examination of the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, along with a check for fluid leaks (brake, coolant, power steering), would be prudent. The absence of major advisories since 2023 does not negate the need for due diligence—particularly on components that have shown a history of neglect. The suspension and tyre condition are the most immediate concerns, but the overall trend suggests a vehicle that has not been maintained with consistent rigour.