2010 Volkswagen Touran 1.9L Diesel · LL10 XUD

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 February 2024 resulted in a pass, although this followed closely on from a failure just three days earlier on 26 February 2024, which itself carried a dangerous defect for parking brake efficiency below 50 percent of the required value, alongside major non-compliance for headlamp aim and an excessively binding nearside rear service brake. The fact that the vehicle was presented, failed, and then quickly re-presented and passed suggests remedial work was carried out, but the underlying pattern across the four recorded tests reveals a vehicle with ongoing mechanical concerns rather than a stable, improving maintenance trend. Advisories relating to the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage, rear brake disc wear, both rear tyres, suspension component corrosion, and a fractured offside front coil spring all point to wear items being addressed only at the point of test rather than proactively, and a prospective buyer should view the post-2022 history with some caution. Recorded mileage of 116,545 miles over approximately 16 years equates to an average of around 7,284 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a family MPV of this age and suggests the vehicle has been used for its intended purpose rather than left standing for prolonged periods or subjected to exceptionally high motorway mileage. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record that would indicate long periods of inactivity, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady, which is generally favourable for avoiding the corrosion and fluid degradation issues associated with low-use or stored vehicles. However, at this accumulated mileage, attention should still be paid to age-related degradation of components that fail with calendar time rather than distance, particularly rubber seals, flexible coolant hoses, timing chain components, and the dual-mass flywheel if a manual gearbox is fitted. The recurring brake-related advisories and the dangerous parking brake failure are a particular area for concern. The 2024 advisory noted an offside rear anti-roll bar ball joint with slight play, and the earlier failure flagged a binding nearside rear caliper, which are both consistent with the rear brake disc wear advisory from the same year. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay close attention to any pulling to one side under braking, a spongy or low-effort handbrake lever, or a sensation of the rear brakes dragging after release, the latter of which would suggest the binding caliper has not been properly overhauled. Inspect the rear discs through the wheel spokes for an obvious lip, scoring, or blueing from heat, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on a steep incline without excessive travel. The fractured offside front coil spring recorded in April 2022 and the offside rear suspension mounting corrosion from the same test suggest the suspension has been worked hard, and a thorough inspection should include checking for any knocking or crashing over bumps, uneven tyre wear particularly on the inside or outside shoulders, and any sagging at the front when parked. Given the vehicle's age, the tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing even if the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber degrades with time regardless of mileage, and any tyre older than five years should be viewed as a replacement candidate. The 12-volt battery, brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable will all be due for renewal on a calendar basis rather than a mileage basis, so verify the service book stamps and request evidence of recent fluid changes, while also checking the underside for any fluid leaks, exhaust corrosion, or developing rust around the wheel arches, sills, and rear suspension mounting areas referenced in the 2022 advisory.