2012 Volkswagen Touran 2.0L Diesel · LG12 CFN

A chronic deterioration of the front exhaust flexible joint is the defining mechanical theme in this Touran's MOT record, flagged as an advisory in three consecutive tests from 2023 through to the most recent pass on 3 June 2026, when it was finally upgraded to a minor failure item for an active exhaust gas leak. This progression from advisory to recorded defect confirms that the component has continued to degrade and now warrants replacement rather than continued monitoring. A secondary recurring theme is tyre condition, with cracking, perishing and edge wear advisories appearing across four of the recorded tests between 2020 and 2022, affecting both front and rear axles. The remaining advisories are largely cosmetic or trivial, including a damaged non-obligatory mirror casing, an insecure offside rear door trim, an inoperative headlamp cleaning device, and a nearside rear fog lamp not working noted in 2018. The 2018 test also recorded light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, a defect worth specific attention as it can indicate failing damper seals. Despite these repeated observations, the vehicle has never failed an MOT and has passed every test presented, with the 2023 record showing no advisories at all, suggesting that the issues flagged are component-specific rather than indicative of systemic neglect across the whole car. The recorded mileage of 61,367 miles across approximately 14 years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 4,380 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and type. The MOT history shows testing from 2018 onwards, with gaps between tests reflecting periods where the vehicle was either not presented for testing or not in use. The low annual mileage figure is mechanically relevant because it suggests that the Touran has likely spent extended periods stationary, which can accelerate degradation of rubber components, flexible joints, flexible brake hoses, and battery condition, while reducing wear on higher-mileage items such as the clutch, drivetrain and major brake components. The consistent appearance of flexible joint and tyre deterioration advisories is consistent with age-related rubber and composite degradation rather than high-mileage wear. A prospective buyer should be aware that the low recorded mileage does not necessarily equate to a mechanically superior example, as age-related perishing of rubber components appears to be the primary wear mechanism on this vehicle. For a test drive and physical inspection, the priority items should be the exhaust system and suspension. The front flexible joint, now recorded as an active leak, should be physically inspected for cracking, splitting, or visible exhaust staining on surrounding underbody components, and the vehicle should be listened to at idle for any ticking or irregular exhaust note that may indicate an aggravated leak. The 2018 advisory of light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber warrants a specific check for dampness or residue on the damper body, and any knocking or excessive bounce over uneven surfaces during the test drive should be noted as a possible escalation of that original observation. The tyre perishing history indicates that a full set of replacement tyres is likely due, and the sidewalls should be inspected closely for any cracking, bulging, or uneven wear patterns, with particular attention to edge wear which has been repeatedly flagged on both front tyres. Beyond the items already documented, attention should be paid to age-related rubber components not specifically covered in the MOT record. The brake flexible hoses, anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, and subframe mounting bushes should be visually inspected for perishing or cracking, as low-mileage vehicles of this age are particularly prone to rubber degradation in these areas. On the test drive, any clonking over bumps, vague steering, or pulling to one side under braking should be investigated promptly, as these can indicate worn suspension linkages or binding calipers, neither of which would necessarily be picked up by MOT testing in the absence of obvious failure. The insecure offside rear door trim noted in 2018 should be checked to confirm it remains serviceable, and the inoperative headlamp cleaning device and rear fog lamp should be verified as functioning or rectified, as these items, while not safety-critical, suggest minor electrical or trim neglect that may extend to other areas of the vehicle.