2014 Volkswagen Sharan 2.0L Diesel · GF64 RYM

The most recent MOT test on 18 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, although it carried an advisory note for an oil leak described as not excessive. Looking back through the 2026 record, the vehicle initially failed on 15 June due to a major defect concerning an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush, with further advisories for corroded rear coil springs, thinning rear brake pads, and a defective front lower gearbox mounting. A re-test on 17 June passed, retaining the same advisories plus the oil leak, before a final test on 18 June passed cleanly of any new advisories beyond the persistent oil seep. Comparing this to the 2024 and 2023 tests, which were entirely free of defects, and the 2025 test which only recorded minor and advisory items, the overall trend is one of clear deterioration in the latter half of 2025 and into 2026. The emergence of suspension component wear, brake wear, structural corrosion on springs, and an oil leak across consecutive advisories indicates that the vehicle is now entering a phase requiring more meaningful mechanical intervention rather than routine servicing. With 387,960 miles recorded over approximately twelve years, this Sharan is covering around 32,330 miles annually, which is considerably above the national average and points to sustained long-distance or high-utilisation use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, and the mileage progression between tests implies continuous running, with no evidence of extended standing periods. This level of annual mileage accelerates degradation of consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutches, and places additional stress on engine internals, gearbox mountings, and suspension components. It also raises the importance of verifying whether the timing chain, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel, and automatic or manual gearbox oil have been serviced at appropriate intervals, as these are known wear items on high-mileage VW group vehicles and are not visible during an MOT. The advisories relating to the rear brake pads wearing thin and the front inner brake discs being worn and pitted suggest that a brake overhaul is imminent. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application, which would indicate disc run-out or uneven pad transfer, and check for pulling to one side under braking that could suggest a binding caliper. The rear coil spring corrosion advisory is significant because corroded springs can fracture, particularly under load or on rough roads, and any audible clonking from the rear suspension over bumps would warrant immediate inspection. The front lower gearbox mounting defect and the persistent oil leak, while currently classified as not excessive, should be monitored closely; ask to see the underside of the engine and gearbox for fresh seepage, and during a road test listen for driveline shunt on acceleration, particularly from rest or during gear selection. Additionally, the recurring front suspension arm bush wear, which has now been recorded as a major failure, requires verification that the replacement has been completed to a satisfactory standard, as worn bushes typically produce a clonking or knocking noise over speed humps and uneven surfaces and may also contribute to vague or wandering steering. Beyond the documented MOT items, the high annual mileage and twelve-year age make several age- and use-related inspections worthwhile. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues, and check the sidewalls for cracking or perishing given the vehicle's age, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting rubbers, paying particular attention to the heat shields and downstream of the catalytic converter, and verify the condition of the cooling system hoses and radiator, which on high-mileage vehicles often become brittle at the clamps. Lift the bonnet and inspect the coolant header tank for discoloured coolant, check the battery for its date stamp and hold-down security, and confirm the condition of the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner, as these items degrade with calendar age. Under the vehicle, look for corrosion along the brake lines, fuel lines, and subframe mounting points, and confirm that the underside has not been undersealed in a way that masks structural rot. Finally, request evidence of recent cambelt or timing chain replacement, DSG or manual gearbox oil and filter changes, and ensure the service book stamps corroborate the high recorded mileage with regular major services at appropriate intervals.