2012 Porsche Panamera 3.0L Diesel · DC12 KGK

A chronic pattern of suspension bush wear and a persistent oil leak dominate the mechanical narrative of this Panamera, with the most recent MOT on 23 February 2026 confirming the vehicle still carries advisories for both front and rear suspension arm pins or bushes and a non‑excessive oil seepage. Earlier tests reveal a series of serious failures – fractured rear wheels in 2025, multiple parking‑brake inoperabilities and electronic parking‑brake warnings in 2023, and a non‑functional engine MIL indicator in the same year – indicating that the car has required repeated remedial work on safety‑critical systems. While the latest pass shows no outright failures, the accumulation of advisories suggests underlying wear that has yet to be fully resolved. At 172,202 mi the car averages roughly 12,300 mi per annum, a mileage level that is high for a fourteen‑year‑old Panamera and points to extensive use of the drivetrain, suspension, and braking components. The MOT record shows regular annual testing with no long gaps, meaning the mileage has been accrued under relatively consistent operating conditions rather than long periods of storage. Such utilisation typically accelerates wear on suspension bushings, brake hoses, tyre tread, and engine seals, all of which have already been flagged in the MOT history. Prospective buyers should inspect the suspension for play or clunking noises when traversing uneven road surfaces, and verify that the upper and lower arm pins and bushes are free of excessive movement – any looseness may indicate the need for replacement. The oil leak advisory warrants a visual check for oil stains on the under‑tray and around the valve cover, as well as a test for any drop in oil level after a short drive. Brake hoses showing slight ferrule corrosion should be examined for fluid seepage and a firm, consistent pedal feel; any softening or sponginess could signal impending hose failure. Tyre condition must be confirmed, especially on the nearside front where wear close to the legal limit has been recorded repeatedly, and the rear wheels should be inspected for cracks or signs of the previous fractures. The parking‑brake system and electronic parking‑brake warning light must be fully functional on both sides, and the engine MIL indicator should remain extinguished under normal operation. A coolant level check and a brief engine run‑up will reveal whether the previously noted coolant leak persists. Given the breadth of recurring advisories, a comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified technician – including suspension bush replacement, oil‑seal repair, brake‑hose renewal, and verification of wheel integrity – is essential before committing to purchase.