2011 Volkswagen Touran 2.0L Diesel · LM60 MPV

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this 2011 Volkswagen Touran, dated 19 September 2025, resulted in a pass alongside a series of advisories, although the same date also carries a prior failure record indicating that remedial work was required to secure the pass. The failure items included an inoperative nearside and offside registration plate lamp, a split nearside front constant velocity boot allowing dirt ingress, and a dangerous defect where the front tyres had ply or cords exposed on both sides. While these specific items have evidently been rectified to allow the vehicle to pass, the volume and nature of the advisories still attached to the pass suggests the underlying condition of the car requires careful evaluation. Reviewing the broader MOT trend from 2022 onwards reveals a vehicle that is gradually deteriorating rather than improving, with recurring themes around front brake disc wear, front suspension bushes and anti-roll bar components, rear sub-frame corrosion, and outer constant velocity boot deterioration. The transition from a clean pass in March 2022 to multiple advisories and repeat failures on related suspension and braking components indicates that maintenance is becoming more frequent and that the car is now entering a phase where several consumable and structural items will demand attention in the near term. The recorded mileage of 105,419 miles over approximately fifteen years equates to an annual average of around 7,028 miles, which is broadly typical for a family MPV of this age and consistent with moderate rather than heavy use. There is no evidence in the MOT history of unusually rapid mileage accumulation or extended standing periods, which suggests the vehicle has seen regular but unremarkable usage. Mechanically, this mileage profile is commensurate with wear on suspension components, brake friction material, and drivetrain ancillaries, all of which are indeed reflected in the test record. The pattern of recurring brake disc and pad advisories, suspension bush wear, and sub-frame corrosion is entirely consistent with a Touran of this age and mileage being driven in typical mixed urban and suburban conditions, where stop-start cycling and exposure to damp winter roads accelerate wear on underbody components. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing area of concern is the front suspension, which has been flagged repeatedly across the last three tests. The advisories relating to front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear and the recurring near side front upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failures suggest that the anti-roll bar drop links and suspension bushes are likely approaching the end of their service life. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or knocking through the steering when turning. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, would further confirm deteriorated suspension geometry. The rear suspension has also been flagged for trailing arm front bush wear and lower arm corrosion; these bushes are a known weak point on Tourans of this generation and replacement typically requires renewal of the complete arm assembly. Any knocking from the rear over uneven roads or a sense of the rear axle shifting under hard cornering would warrant immediate inspection. The brake system requires careful evaluation given the history of rear brake pad wear advisories in 2024 and the dangerous rear pad failure in 2022, alongside the front disc pitting and scoring noted in 2023 and 2025. The front discs being pitted on the inner faces is consistent with pads running low and debris becoming embedded, and although the vehicle currently passes, the discs may now be approaching minimum thickness and could require replacement at the next service. On test, check for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, which would indicate disc run-out or thickness variation, and listen for any grinding suggesting pads have worn beyond the backing plate. The split CV boot that was replaced prior to the September 2025 test should be inspected to confirm a quality repair, and the general area around the front driveshafts should be clean and free of fresh grease contamination. Beyond the recorded defects, a fifteen year old vehicle warrants attention to age related items that MOT testing does not fully cover, including the condition of the timing belt or chain service history, coolant and brake fluid replacement schedules, the health of the 12 volt battery, the state of all tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking irrespective of tread depth, and a thorough underbody inspection for advancing corrosion, particularly around the rear sub-frame which has already been flagged. A pre-purchase inspection by a Volkswagen specialist or independent garage would be strongly advisable to verify the extent of the suspension and brake wear, confirm the quality of recent repairs, and assess whether the corrosion noted on the sub-frame is stable or progressing towards a structural concern.