2016 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L Diesel · LT16 LLP

A pattern of recurring brake-related advisories and a recent ABS system failure define the mechanical profile of this 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, warranting close scrutiny from any prospective buyer. The 2026 test sequence concluded with a pass on 23 July, but only after a failed attempt the previous day flagged a major ABS warning lamp indication alongside advisories for rear inner brake disc corrosion and an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit. This brake disc corrosion advisory had already been carried forward from the failed test, suggesting it is a persistent issue rather than an isolated observation. The 2025 pass similarly noted an offside rear tyre approaching its wear limit and a front oil leak that, while not deemed excessive, signals an ongoing area to monitor. The 2024 cycle included a failed test for headlamp aim and ineffective wiper function, both of which were addressed before the same-day pass was issued, while the tyre wear advisory has now appeared across multiple consecutive years on the offside rear, indicating either a geometry issue, consistent heavy loading, or premature shoulder wear that should be physically inspected. At 68,099 miles over a ten-year service life, this Touareg has been driven at approximately 6,810 miles annually, placing its usage firmly within typical parameters for its age and sector. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, which is reassuring from a corrosion and dormant-component standpoint, particularly given the ABS module issue that could relate to sensor degradation from standing or to general electrical wear. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than sporadic, which means consumables such as brake components, tyres, and suspension items have experienced predictable linear wear rather than the accelerated degradation often seen on high-mileage examples. The fact that the rear brake discs have been flagged for corrosion while front-end components show oil leaks rather than pad or disc wear suggests the braking system may be due for rear disc and pad replacement as a complete refurbishment rather than a targeted repair. Given the flagged components, a prospective buyer should approach any viewing of this Touareg with a focused inspection strategy centred on the braking and undercarriage systems. The recurring offside rear tyre edge wear warrants a physical check of the wheel alignment and a close look at the rear suspension bushes, trailing arms, and coil springs, as uneven shoulder wear on a single corner is often a symptom of weakened bush compliance or a sagging spring. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and broken tarmac, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering that could indicate geometry compromise. The front oil leak advisory should prompt a visual inspection of the engine bay for fresh oil residue on the cam chain area, turbo, or sump, and the buyer should press the brake pedal firmly from speed to confirm the ABS module is functioning correctly, watching for any pulsing inconsistency or warning light reactivation. The rear inner brake disc corrosion, which an examiner deemed not seriously weakened, should be confirmed by direct visual inspection of the inner disc faces through the wheel, as corrosion of this nature can rapidly progress into lipped, scored surfaces that require full disc replacement rather than a simple skim. The ABS fault that caused the 2026 failure is the single most significant mechanical concern in this history and demands particular attention. ABS faults on the Touareg of this era are frequently traced to wheel speed sensor degradation, corroded sensor pick-up rings on the hub assemblies, or harness damage rather than the ABS control unit itself, and a buyer should request evidence of the specific repair undertaken between the 22 July failure and the 23 July pass. Confirmation that diagnostic trouble codes have been cleared and that the warning lamp does not re-illuminate under braking on the test drive is essential, as intermittent ABS faults can recur if the underlying sensor or wiring issue was not properly resolved. Beyond the flagged items, a general undercarriage inspection for corrosion on the subframe mounting points, brake pipe condition along their full length, and the integrity of the exhaust mountings would be prudent given the vehicle's age and the recurring brake-related findings. If all of these areas check out satisfactorily, this Touareg presents as a reasonably maintained example, but the ABS repair must be independently verified rather than accepted on the strength of the pass certificate alone.