2014 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0L Diesel · MD14 NHX

The most recent MOT carried out on 14 August 2026 returned a pass, but it recorded three advisories – corrosion on the front coil springs, wear on the front anti‑roll‑bar pins or bushes and a modest oil leak around the gearbox. Over the previous five years the vehicle has consistently passed its annual test, yet the number of advisories has risen from three in 2022 to four in 2023, fell to one in 2025 and climbed again to three in 2026. This pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance regime but an emerging trend of progressive wear in the front suspension and early signs of ageing corrosion, indicating that remedial work is becoming increasingly advisable. At 103,108 mi for a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 8,600 mi, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a twelve‑year‑old light commercial vehicle. There are no obvious large gaps in the recorded mileage that would imply long periods of storage, nor is there evidence of accelerated mileage accumulation that would have placed excessive stress on wear items. Consequently the wear observed in the MOT advisories is more likely a function of age‑related corrosion and component fatigue rather than extreme mileage abuse. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Inspect the coil springs for surface rust that could progress to structural weakening, and verify that the anti‑roll‑bar pins and associated bushes are free of excessive play; any clunk or rattling when braking or negotiating bumps can be a symptom of deteriorating bushings. The lower Macpherson strut pins on both sides were flagged as worn in 2023, so a tactile check of the strut mounts for looseness and a road‑test for steering wander or a vague shudder when turning is advisable. The steering rack mounting bushes were also noted as wearing, which can manifest as vague steering feedback or a slight vibration at higher speeds. The rear tyre advisory from 2025 signals that the rear tyres are beginning to perish; examine the sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear and be prepared for replacement if the tread depth is below the legal limit or the rubber shows age‑related brittleness. Beyond the suspension, the modest oil leak around the gearbox noted in the latest MOT should be inspected for source and severity – a small seep can be benign but may indicate a failing seal that could later affect lubrication. The light misting of oil from the rear shock absorbers recorded in 2022 warrants a visual check for any dampness on the shock bodies and a functional test for excessive bounce or reduced damping. Given the vehicle’s age, it is prudent to verify the condition of the brake discs for surface corrosion or scoring, assess the 12‑V battery for cranking performance and electrolyte level, and confirm that all time‑based fluids (coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil) have been refreshed in accordance with the manufacturer’s schedule. A thorough service book review and, if possible, a pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic will help to confirm that the remaining life of these wear items aligns with the buyer’s expectations.