2023 Volkswagen Multivan Life Phev S-A 1.4L Hybrid electric (clean) · GL73 AEB

A recurring pattern of rear tyre wear has emerged across three of the five recorded MOT tests, making this the defining mechanical characteristic of the vehicle's DVSA history. The most recent test on 21 May 2026 recorded advisories on both the nearside and offside rear tyres for being worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, following a similar advisory in October 2025 that also noted perishing at 3mm tread depth, and a further nearside rear advisory from the May 2026 visit. Two earlier tests in 2024 and the May 2025 test passed with no defects recorded, indicating the wear pattern developed after approximately two years of use. While none of these advisories constitute a failure, the consistent appearance of rear-edge wear on a relatively young vehicle warrants close physical inspection, as it can indicate geometry misalignment, worn rear suspension components, or sustained heavy loading characteristic of a people-carrier. With 82,945 miles accumulated over roughly three years, the vehicle has covered approximately 27,648 miles per year, which is notably high for a 2023 model and well above typical private or family use. There are no extended gaps in the testing record to suggest the vehicle was off the road for prolonged periods; the tests occur at roughly five to six-month intervals, suggesting the car has remained in continuous active service throughout its life. Such an annual mileage will accelerate wear on brake pads and discs, suspension bushes and coil springs, the dual-clutch or automatic transmission internals, and the high-voltage components specific to the plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The combination of consistent testing and rapid mileage accumulation indicates a vehicle that has been worked hard rather than left standing. Given the recurring rear tyre wear advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a hands-on inspection of all four tyres and check for uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the inner and outer edges of the rear axle. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as worn trailing arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or coil springs are common culprits that can also induce the type of edge wear recorded. Pay attention to any rear-end instability, vague steering, or pulling to one side under braking, which would point toward geometry or suspension deterioration beyond simple tyre replacement. The plug-in hybrid powertrain demands additional scrutiny given the high mileage, so a full health check of the high-voltage battery state of health and the hybrid system's diagnostic history should be obtained from a Volkswagen specialist, as MOT records do not assess these components. Inspect the rear brake discs for lipping and check the brake pedal for any sponginess or judder under firm application, as heavy mileage combined with the vehicle's kerb weight accelerates rear brake wear. The windscreen damage noted as a minor in October 2025 should also be visually confirmed to ensure it has not propagated into the driver's swept area, and all rear tyres should be replaced as a matched axle pair regardless of which currently passes inspection, given the documented history of rapid rear-edge wear.