2009 Volkswagen Touran 1.9L Diesel · LC59 LLF

The most recent DVSA examination dated 26 August 2026 resulted in a failure, driven primarily by a Major defect regarding the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage being insecurely attached. While this item alone constitutes the failure, the accompanying advisories carry significant mechanical weight and indicate a clear pattern of degradation in the vehicle's suspension and braking systems. The presence of worn suspension arm rear bushes on both front arms, slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint, pitted front brake discs, and thin rear brake pads collectively suggest that the anti-roll bar components have been deteriorating over several test cycles. Reviewing the prior year’s test from August 2025 reveals identical advisories for play in both the nearside front and offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, alongside an oil leak. This recurrence confirms a worsening trend, as the wear that was merely advisory in 2025 has now escalated to a point of structural failure in 2026. Historically, the car passed cleanly in 2023 and 2020, but the intervening years have shown escalating minor defects, advisories, and at least one earlier failure for a dangerous front tyre, pointing to a general decline in maintenance rather than a stable or improving trajectory. With 139,337 miles recorded on a 2009 registration, this Touran has covered approximately 8,196 miles annually over its seventeen-year life, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. The mileage progression across the recorded tests appears consistent and incremental, suggesting the car has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged periods or subjected to unusually heavy motorway use. However, given that the vehicle is now approaching the end of its seventeenth year, calendar-based degradation remains a critical factor regardless of mileage accumulation. Typical concerns at this stage include perishing of rubber components such as timing belts, coolant hoses, and suspension bushes, as well as corrosion forming within brake disc friction surfaces due to standing periods, and natural deterioration of the 12-volt battery. Buyers should also verify the service book history to ensure that essential items such as the cambelt and water pump have been replaced at manufacturer-recommended intervals, as neglect of these components on a high-mileage Volkswagen engine can lead to catastrophic mechanical failure. In terms of immediate remedial action, any prospective purchaser must address the Major defect regarding the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage before returning the vehicle to the road. The advisories relating to the front suspension arm rear bushes and the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint should also be rectified concurrently, as the data indicates these items have been progressively wearing over multiple test cycles. A test drive should include driving over uneven surfaces and speed humps to listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front and rear suspension, as well as paying close attention to any vagueness or rattle through the steering when cornering. Given that the front brake discs have been recorded as worn and pitted, the buyer should expect imminent replacement of the front discs and pads, while the rear pads noted as wearing thin will also require attention shortly. A thorough inspection of the brake calipers for seizing or binding is recommended, particularly if the vehicle has been subjected to short journeys or periods of standing, which can accelerate corrosion on the sliding mechanisms. Beyond the recorded defects, this Touran warrants a comprehensive age-appropriate inspection covering items that may not be flagged during an MOT test. The oil leak noted in 2025 should be traced to identify whether it originates from the sump, cam chain area, or a typical Volkswagen weakness such as the rocker cover gasket, as an unresolved leak can mask wear on ancillary components. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as a seventeen-year-old original unit is well beyond its expected service life and prone to sudden failure. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing caused by age rather than tread wear alone, and the spare wheel or inflation kit should be checked for usability. Fluid degradation should be assessed independently, including the condition of the brake fluid, which absorbs moisture over time and reduces braking efficiency, as well as the coolant, which loses its anti-corrosion properties and can contribute to internal engine wear if not refreshed periodically. Finally, the underside of the vehicle should be examined on a ramp for any emerging structural corrosion, particularly around the suspension mounting points and subframes, which are known concerns on Tourans of this vintage operating in the UK climate.