2018 Volkswagen Touran 1.4L Petrol · KK18 BWD

A pattern of front suspension wear is the defining mechanical thread running through this Touran's MOT history, with shock absorber oil misting appearing as an advisory in four of the five recorded tests stretching back to 2021. The dampers were first flagged for light misting on both front units in 2021, then again on both fronts in 2022, followed by isolated nearside front advisories in 2023 and 2026, with an offside front advisory also logged at the most recent test on 5 August 2026. Despite this recurring advisory history, the vehicle has passed every test on record and recorded zero failures, with the 2024 examination returning a completely clean result. The overall trend is therefore not one of deteriorating safety standards at test time, but rather a steady, documented accumulation of front damper seepage that has not yet crossed the threshold into a failure but warrants close physical inspection. The recorded mileage of 56,711 miles across eight years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,089 miles, which sits within the typical band for a family-oriented MPV of this age. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual examinations recorded consecutively from 2021 through 2026, indicating consistent use rather than extended periods off the road. That continuity is mechanically relevant, because regular driving keeps seals lubricated, prevents brake disc corrosion from becoming advanced, and reduces the likelihood of dried-out coolant or perished rubber associated with long lay-ups. The mileage progression therefore suggests an actively used vehicle rather than a low-mileage garage queen or a high-mileage motorway workhorse, which places predictable wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, and discs in line with the moderate annual average. A prospective buyer should focus attention on the front suspension, as the advisory record points to progressive damping compromise. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front wheels over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn damper top mounts or weakened damping action. Pay particular attention to excessive nose-dive under firm braking and continued oscillation after passing over a bump, both of which suggest the misting recorded at MOT has progressed to functional degradation. The front coil springs, top mounts, and suspension struts should also be inspected for corrosion, and the tyres should be checked for uneven inner-edge wear, which can accompany weakened damper performance. Given that nearside front shock absorber misting has been noted on multiple occasions over a five-year span, a replacement of both front units is a realistic budget item, particularly if the buyer intends to keep the vehicle long term. The rear tyres present a secondary but immediate concern, with advisories for edge wear and cracking recorded at both the 2025 and 2026 tests, the latter noting the nearside rear as worn close to the legal limit. Inspect the rear axle geometry for any signs of misalignment and verify that new tyres are fitted before purchase, as the pattern of edge wear can also indicate worn rear suspension bushes or weakened springs. The deteriorated rear number plate flagged at the 2026 test is a minor cosmetic issue, but should be addressed to ensure compliance. Beyond these recorded items, the absence of any brake, exhaust, corrosion, or structural advisories across the five-test history is a positive indicator, though a thorough inspection of the underbody, brake pipes, and rear axle bushes remains advisable given the vehicle's age and the developing suspension concerns at the front end.