2018 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L Diesel · PL18 KVH

The most recent MOT on 4 August 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, following an earlier pass in April of the same year. Over the last three years the vehicle has moved from a single failure for non‑conforming registration plates in December 2023 to a clean pass, but the 20 January 2025 test introduced a series of advisories concerning rear coil‑spring mounting corrosion, front upper suspension arm wear and a damaged under‑tray. This pattern suggests that while the vehicle is currently road‑worthy, the underlying wear on suspension components and under‑body protection is beginning to accumulate and will need attention to prevent future failures. At eight years old the recorded 73 637 miles equate to roughly 9 200 miles per annum, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a family SUV. There are no obvious long gaps in the mileage record, indicating the car has been driven regularly rather than stored for extended periods. The mileage level is modest enough that major drivetrain wear such as timing‑belt or clutch fatigue is unlikely, but it does mean that consumables such as tyres, brake pads and fluid seals have been exercised and should be inspected for age‑related degradation as well as wear. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the rear coil‑spring mounts on both sides; the advisory notes corrosion that is not yet seriously weakened, but rust can progress quickly on steel components, especially in a damp climate. A visual inspection for flaking, pitting or any cracking of the mounting brackets is essential, and a test‑drive should be used to listen for clunking or excessive bounce when loading the rear or negotiating bumps. The front upper suspension arm pins and bushes were also flagged as worn – check for play by rocking the front wheels and feel for any looseness in the upper control arms; any knocking or uneven tyre wear may indicate that the bushes are nearing the end of their service life and could require replacement. The under‑tray was described as hanging down slightly, so examine it for rust, broken fasteners or sharp edges that could scrape the exhaust or affect ground clearance; a damaged tray can allow water and road grime to reach the chassis, accelerating corrosion. Finally, the rear tyres were noted as approaching the tread‑wear indicator bars, so verify that both rear tyres still have at least 1.6 mm of tread depth and assess whether they need replacement soon, and ensure the registration plates now meet the prescribed size, font and reflectivity requirements to avoid another MOT failure. Beyond the specific advisories, the vehicle’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Inspect the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage, as batteries over eight years often lose capacity even with low mileage. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, since fluids degrade over time regardless of use. Examine the brake discs for surface rust or scoring and confirm that the pads have sufficient thickness; any pulsation or shudder under braking could indicate warped discs. Look at the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, a sign of age rather than wear, and confirm that the tyre pressure sensors are functional. Finally, if a full service book is available, check that scheduled services, especially the 30 000‑mile and 60 000‑mile intervals, have been recorded, as adherence to the service schedule is a strong indicator that the vehicle has been maintained responsibly.