2013 Volkswagen Touran 2.0L Diesel · LL13 APY

The defining mechanical concern for this 2013 Volkswagen Touran is a documented anti-roll bar ball joint failure in early 2022, which represented a serious structural wear issue at both ends of the front stabiliser. That same examination noted premature edge wear to both front tyres, and a pass the following year in 2023 was achieved with no defects recorded, suggesting the anti-roll bar joints were replaced. The 2021 test had already recorded slight play in the nearside joint as an advisory, indicating a progressive deterioration that culminated in the 2022 failure. Since then, the vehicle has passed four consecutive annual tests from 2023 through 2026 with no return of suspension advisories, and the only recurring item across those four most recent examinations is a windscreen chip that has remained outside the prohibited zone. The most recent pass on 13 February 2026 also recorded a severely deteriorated nearside front CV joint boot, which is a new and noteworthy defect that warrants close inspection. With 186,514 miles recorded over roughly thirteen years of service, annual mileage stands at around 14,347 miles, which is at the higher end of the spectrum for a vehicle of this age and indicates sustained, consistent running rather than periods of inactivity. This high-mileage profile means that consumable wear items such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension components have been worked hard throughout the vehicle's life, and drivetrain elements including clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, and turbocharger are closer to the end of their typical service life than a lower-mileage equivalent would be. The MOT history shows no significant gaps in testing or unusual mileage jumps, which simply confirms that the vehicle has been in regular service throughout its life on the road. Buyers should interpret the high figure as a direct indicator that budget for replacement of wear components should be planned for the near term. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the persistent windscreen damage should be examined for any crack propagation, particularly around the chip site, as thermal cycling can cause small chips to spread over time. The new CV boot deterioration on the nearside front driveshaft is a priority item: with the boot split, grease will be lost and water and grit will ingress, leading to rapid joint failure. On a test drive, listen for any rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front as steering is turned from lock to lock, feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under load, and check for grease deposits on the inner side of the nearside front wheel and underarch. Unaddressed, a failed CV joint can leave the vehicle stranded, so this defect should be rectified promptly and the joint itself inspected for wear before purchase. The front tyres should also be examined for uneven inner-edge wear, which on a Touran can point to worn suspension bushes or top mounts that would not necessarily be flagged in an MOT but contribute to the kind of instability that places extra stress on anti-roll bar components. Although the 2022 anti-roll bar joint failure has not recurred in four subsequent tests, buyers should still test the front suspension thoroughly on a road examination. Listen for any knocking or rattling from the front end when traversing speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or when braking firmly from speed, and feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response. With the vehicle having covered very high mileage, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the front strut top mounts, lower control arm bushes, and rear suspension components, none of which were flagged but all of which will have endured considerable wear. The absence of brake, exhaust, or corrosion advisories across the entire MOT history is a positive indicator that the vehicle has not suffered structural rust issues or significant brake system deterioration, but a thorough underbody examination and a check of brake disc and pad condition remain essential given the overall mileage. A pre-purchase inspection by a Volkswagen specialist would be advisable to confirm the integrity of the replaced anti-roll bar joints and to assess the general condition of the running gear before commitment.