2018 Volkswagen Sharan 2.0L Diesel · GD67 XSC

The most recent MOT on 28 November 2025 was a pass, but it carried two advisories – the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush is showing wear and the nearside front tyre is close to the legal tread limit. This follows a failure just four days earlier for an excessively worn off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush, indicating that the front suspension bush wear has progressed but has not yet reached a safety‑critical level. Over the past three years the record shows a mix of clean passes and isolated failures, suggesting a maintenance pattern that has been generally adequate but is now showing signs of deterioration in the front suspension and tyre condition. At eight years old the car has logged 63,145 miles, averaging just under 8,000 miles per year. That figure sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope and does not point to any periods of unusually high mileage that would accelerate wear on major components. However, the relatively low annual mileage may also imply that the vehicle has spent significant time stationary, which can promote rubber hardening in tyres, battery sulphation, and corrosion on suspension bushings that are not regularly flexed. When you inspect the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front suspension bushings and arm pins on both sides. With the advisories present, you should feel for any looseness or clunking when applying the brakes, accelerating, or steering over bumps, and listen for metallic knock sounds that could indicate a bush that is near failure. The front tyres should be measured for tread depth – any reading below 3 mm on the nearside is already at the legal limit – and examined for sidewall cracks, uneven wear patterns or cupping that would betray mis‑alignment or worn bushings. The rear tyres, given the 2022 dangerous bulge on both wheels, must be checked for any signs of separation, bulging, or dry rot; verify the DOT date code to ensure they are not beyond their recommended service life, typically six years from manufacture. Beyond the suspension and tyres, confirm that the windscreen washer system has been repaired since the 2022 failure, as a non‑functioning washer can quickly become a safety issue in wet conditions. An eight‑year‑old vehicle should have its 12‑volt battery tested for cranking voltage and inspected for any case swelling; a load test at a reputable garage will reveal whether a replacement is imminent. Examine the brake discs for surface rust or scoring and ensure the pads have sufficient thickness, as standing periods can cause discs to seize or pads to bind. Finally, check that the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid have been changed in line with the service schedule – fluid degradation is time‑based as well as mileage‑based – and look for any signs of leaks around the sump, hoses, and valve cover gaskets. A thorough visual and auditory inspection, combined with a short test drive that includes braking, cornering and a few bumps, will give you a clear picture of whether the remaining life of the suspension and tyre wear issues is acceptable or if costly remedial work is likely to be required.