2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG3.0L DIESEL

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift towards deteriorating suspension and steering components. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 134,452 miles passed, the tester identified play in the steering rack inner joints on both the nearside and offside front. This follows a recurring advisory from the October 2024 test, indicating that the steering assembly is reaching the end of its functional life and has not been proactively replaced. At 134,452 miles over 14 years, the vehicle averages approximately 9,600 miles per annum, which aligns with typical annual usage for a large SUV. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with roughly 9,000 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and over 11,000 miles between 2023 and 2024. This steady accumulation suggests the car is not sat idle for long periods, but the high mileage places significant stress on heavy-duty components like the suspension. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system due to the documented history of corroded coil springs. The 2023 test flagged both rear coil springs, while the 2024 test noted a corroded offside front spring, suggesting that environmental corrosion is affecting the entire spring set. Furthermore, the persistent play in the steering rack inner joints noted in the latest record represents a significant mechanical risk that requires immediate attention to prevent potential handling issues or premature failure of the steering rack itself. The October 2025 report also highlighted two tyres nearing the legal limit and an inoperative registration plate lamp, which indicates that basic maintenance is only being addressed when required for testing. While the vehicle had clean records between 2021 and 2022, the recent cluster of suspension and steering faults suggests the vehicle is now entering a phase of more expensive component replacements.