2015 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L Diesel · AM64 RDM

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 21 January 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a positive turnaround from the previous year's outcome. Looking at the broader trend, the 2024 test initially failed on 5 February due to a fractured offside rear coil spring, a Major category defect, but the vehicle was subsequently presented and passed the following day with no further action items. The pattern from 2022 through 2026 shows a generally stable maintenance profile, with the only persistent theme being brake-related advisories recorded across the 2024 and 2025 tests, all concerning front and rear brake disc wear, pitting, and scoring. These advisories have been progressively logged but have not escalated into test failures, indicating that while the braking components are aging, they remain within serviceable limits for the time being. The recorded mileage of 74,216 miles over an 11-year period equates to an average of around 6,747 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and broadly consistent with moderate private or mixed-use driving. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record, with tests conducted annually since 2020, and no evidence of either unusually low or excessively high accumulation that would suggest prolonged standing or arduous use such as heavy towing, which is particularly relevant for a Touareg given its SUV and towing capabilities. The absence of any mileage inconsistency between tests further supports a steady usage pattern, meaning wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres, and suspension components should be proportionate to the distance covered rather than compounded by age-related degradation from neglect. The recurring brake disc advisories warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would indicate excessive disc run-out or lipping, and should feel for any pulling to one side that could suggest uneven disc wear or a binding caliper. Given that both front and rear discs have been flagged for pitting and scoring across consecutive tests, it is reasonable to anticipate that disc refurbishment or replacement may be due within the next service interval, particularly as pitted surfaces reduce braking efficiency in wet conditions and accelerate pad wear. The cost of replacement parts for a Touareg is non-trivial, so negotiating this into the purchase consideration would be prudent. The fractured rear coil spring recorded in early 2024 is a notable item, as coil springs are safety-critical suspension items that, when failed, can cause loss of vehicle control and excessive tyre wear due to altered geometry. Although the vehicle passed the retest, the buyer should inspect the offside rear tyre for any signs of uneven shoulder wear, which could indicate lingering geometry issues, and should listen for any clonks or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which could suggest that adjacent components such as the nearside rear spring or shock absorbers may also be nearing the end of their service life. Beyond the recorded defects, given the vehicle's age, attention should also be directed to age-related items not specifically captured in the MOT, including tyre sidewall perishing or dry rot from eleven years of service, the condition and charge state of the 12V battery which can deteriorate from infrequent use or calendar ageing, the state of brake fluid which degrades hygroscopically over time and should ideally be changed every two years regardless of mileage, and the integrity of the coolant and automatic transmission fluid service history. Verifying a complete main dealer or specialist service book with stamped intervals for the VAG longlife servicing schedule would provide additional confidence in the mechanical integrity of the drivetrain, turbo system, and four-wheel-drive components typical of this model.