2022 Lvtong S2.DCH Electric · MF72 VWN

A chronic pattern of front-end steering and suspension deterioration has emerged on this 2022 LVTONG S2.DCH, with a failed MOT on 3 November 2025 flagging multiple Major defects alongside a related advisory, before a clean Pass was secured just two days later on 5 November 2025. The recorded defects centre entirely on the front axle: lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides have failed to prevent dirt ingress, the steering rack gaiters are split on both sides allowing contamination into the rack mechanism, and the track rod end ball joint dust covers are excessively deteriorated on both sides. The advisory noting slight play in the track rod end ball joints on both sides is particularly telling, as it represents the functional consequence of the gaiter failures. The vehicle passed on the subsequent attempt, meaning the items were presumably repaired or replaced to satisfy the tester, but the cluster of bilateral front-end defects appearing simultaneously on a car of this age is unusual and warrants close mechanical scrutiny. With only 3,255 miles recorded over approximately four years, annual accumulation sits at roughly 814 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even for a small urban-oriented vehicle. Such limited use does not insulate the car from wear; in fact, prolonged standing often accelerates the deterioration of rubber boots, gaiters, and suspension seals through flex-cracking and UV exposure rather than mechanical mileage, which directly aligns with the simultaneous failure of multiple dust covers and gaiters observed here. The mileage is also modest enough that any wear items should have abundant residual life, so the bilateral gaiter and ball joint cover failures cannot reasonably be attributed to high-mileage fatigue and instead point to age-related perishing of rubber components, potentially compounded by infrequent movement of the steering and suspension joints. A prospective buyer should focus the inspection squarely on the repaired front-end components, beginning with a careful listen for clonks, knocks, or rattle from the front suspension during a low-speed drive over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and catseyes. With the steering stationary and the engine running, the driver should turn the wheel from lock to lock and feel for any notchiness, roughness, or binding, as a contaminated rack or worn inner joints following gaiter failure often produces a gritty or juddering sensation through the rim. On a straight road, any pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or vibration through the steering wheel could indicate that the track rod ends were not properly refurbished or aligned after the replacement work. It is also prudent to physically inspect under the bonnet and from beneath the vehicle for any fresh oil residue around the steering rack, weeping from the lower arm ball joints, or perished rubber that may suggest the repairs used inferior pattern parts rather than quality replacements. Given the very low mileage, the rest of the vehicle is unlikely to have accumulated significant mechanical wear, but the buyer should still verify the condition of consumables that degrade through age rather than use, such as the brake fluid, which should be checked for moisture content, and the tyres, which should be examined for sidewall cracking given four years of service. Confirming the date codes on the tyres is sensible, because rubber of this vintage can harden and crack regardless of tread depth, and a vehicle that has covered only a few hundred miles a year is a prime candidate for original tyres that have effectively aged out. Finally, obtaining the repair invoices from the November 2025 rectification work is highly advisable, as the scope, parts quality, and whether a four-wheel alignment was performed afterwards will be the single most important factor in determining the long-term roadworthiness of this particular car.