2021 Volkswagen T-ROC SEL TSI EVO S-A 1.5L Petrol · DS70 FPV

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 6 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but only after a same-day failure which has been fully resolved. The failure notice recorded a dangerous nearside front tyre bulge caused by separation or partial failure of its structure, alongside a minor offside front wiper blade defect and an advisory noting slight damage, cracking, or perishing on the offside front tyre. Given that the 2023 and 2024 tests both returned clean results with no advisories, the sudden appearance of structural tyre damage in late 2025 indicates an isolated rather than progressive issue, but the advisory warrants ongoing attention to the offside front tyre condition. Because the vehicle ultimately passed and the dangerous defect has presumably been rectified, the immediate regulatory standing is sound, though any prospective purchase should verify precisely what remedial work was undertaken, particularly on the nearside front tyre, whether the wheel was checked for impact damage, and whether a replacement matching the original specification was fitted. With the vehicle now five years old and 36,361 miles recorded, annual usage averages around 7,272 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment and suggests neither excessive motorway mileage nor extended periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record between 2023 and 2025, and the consistent, moderate mileage pattern indicates regular driving. This steady usage profile is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it allows fluids to remain circulated, seals to stay lubricated, and moving parts to avoid the corrosion and binding issues that often afflict vehicles left idle for prolonged intervals. Nonetheless, a buyer should confirm the service history is complete and that the intervals have been observed in line with Volkswagen's fixed servicing schedule, which on this T-Roc TSI EVO DSG would typically include DSG gearbox oil and filter changes at manufacturer-specified intervals. Given the recorded tyre advisory on the offside front and the previous structural failure on the nearside, a thorough inspection of all four tyres should be a priority. Both front tyres were flagged in December 2025, so any prospective purchase should confirm they are of matching specification, check the sidewalls carefully for cracking, perishing, or bulges, and ensure the tread depth is well above the legal 1.6mm minimum, ideally with 4mm or more remaining given the vehicle's modest mileage. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any thumping or rhythmic noise from the front wheels which might indicate a damaged tyre or wheel, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel that could suggest wheel distortion from a pothole impact. The brake discs and pads should also be examined for lipping, corrosion, and remaining thickness, as standing overnight in damp conditions can cause surface rust on the discs which is usually scraped off in normal driving but may indicate caliper binding if persistent. The wiper blade defect recorded in 2025 is a trivial maintenance item easily resolved with replacement blades, but its appearance so close to the test suggests general attention to detail on consumables may have lapsed. For a five-year-old T-Roc with relatively low mileage, the buyer should also perform several time-based checks that are not always captured in an MOT. The 12-volt battery should be tested for voltage under cranking and state of charge, as batteries degrade with age and the original unit may be approaching the end of its service life. Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should be checked for condition and age, with brake fluid particularly susceptible to moisture absorption after five years regardless of mileage. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at the mounting brackets and joints, the underbody and suspension components examined for any standing corrosion, and the coil springs, anti-roll bar bushes, and suspension arms checked for wear, as these parts carry the vehicle regardless of mileage. Finally, given this is a DSG automatic, the buyer should ensure smooth, prompt gear changes during a test drive, particularly when cold, and confirm the mechatronics unit has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule to avoid the well-documented DSG-related issues that can arise from neglected fluid changes.