2007 Volkswagen Touran 2.0L Diesel · LT57 AGU

A clear pattern emerges of progressive wear on the front suspension and driveline components, punctuated by recurring major failures in the seat‑belt assemblies and exhaust emissions. The most recent MOT on 8 August 2025 was passed, but it still carried advisories for front shock absorber oil mist, off‑side front inner driveshaft joint wear and a severely deteriorated near‑side front driveshaft boot – issues that have been flagged repeatedly over the past three years. Earlier failures for the rear seat‑belt webbing, rear‑seat belt operation and diesel particulate filter smoke indicate that the vehicle has required corrective work on safety‑critical and emissions items, while the suspension and driveline wear has been a persistent, albeit advisory, concern. At 124,923 miles on a 2007 model the annual average mileage works out at roughly 6,600 mi per year, which sits within a normal range for a vehicle of this age. The MOT records show consistent annual testing from 2022 through 2025 with no long gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road rather than stored for extended periods. This mileage level, combined with the age‑related wear noted in the MOT history, points to typical consumable degradation – especially for components such as shock absorbers, brake discs and tyre tread – rather than an unusually high‑stress usage profile. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the front suspension arm ball joints and bushings; the off‑side ball joint was recorded as excessively worn in 2023, so listen for clunking over bumps and feel for any play when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill. The driveshaft boots on both sides have been noted as deteriorating, with oil mist on the front shocks, so watch for oil stains around the CV joints and any whirring noises that could signal joint failure. Rear tyre edges were flagged as wearing, so verify tyre depth across the tread and look for cracking that could indicate imminent replacement. Front brake discs and pads have been advised as worn, so test for pedal pulsation, increased stopping distances or squealing, and consider a full brake service if any of these symptoms appear. Before committing, ensure the major safety and emissions defects identified in earlier MOTs are rectified: the rear seat‑belt webbing and latch mechanisms must be replaced, and the diesel particulate filter system should be inspected for blockage or fault that caused visible smoke and emissions exceedance. The off‑side front indicator light failure recorded in 2022 should be verified as functional, and any dust‑cover issues on the anti‑roll bar linkages should be addressed to prevent corrosion ingress. A qualified pre‑purchase inspection that confirms replacement of the worn suspension ball joint, renewal of the driveshaft boots, replacement of the rear seat‑belts and a comprehensive brake and tyre overhaul will be essential to bring the vehicle to a reliable road‑worthy state.