2021 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0L Petrol · ND70 ABD

The most recent MOT test conducted in February 2026 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle was brought back into a compliant state following a period of instability. Looking at the wider history, the maintenance trend shows a significant decline in early 2025, characterized by multiple failures involving missing wheel fixings, inoperative lighting, and door mechanism faults. While the latest result suggests these specific issues have been rectified, the previous failures indicate a period where the vehicle's roadworthiness was compromised, suggesting that maintenance may have been reactive rather than proactive during that time. The recorded mileage of 48,558 miles over a five-year period equates to an annual average of approximately 9,712 miles. This usage profile is considered typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests a balanced level of wear. This mileage is high enough to have utilized a reasonable amount of consumable components like brake pads and tyres, but low enough to suggest that major mechanical components such as the engine, gearbox, and suspension assemblies should still be in good structural condition. There are no indications of extreme high-mileage wear or the potential degradation associated with very low-mileage vehicles that sit stationary for long periods. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the recurring advisories regarding the offside rear shock absorber, which showed signs of oil misting. Although this did not cause a failure, it is a sign of impending seal failure. During a test drive, you should listen for any rhythmic knocking, clunking, or thudding from the rear suspension, especially when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. You should also visually inspect the shock absorber for any significant fluid leakage. Furthermore, the electronic parking brake was previously noted as defective. It is vital to test the engagement and release of the parking brake multiple times, ensuring there are no unusual noises, grinding, or dashboard warning lights, as a failing electronic actuator can lead to binding calipers or a total loss of parking function. Finally, ensure that the nearside front passenger door operates correctly from the exterior, as this was a previous point of failure. You should also inspect the seat belt webbing throughout the cabin to ensure there is no fraying or damage, following the advisory noted in 2025. Given the previous issue with a missing wheel fixing, it is prudent to check that all wheel bolts are present, secure, and show no signs of rounding or excessive corrosion. A thorough check of the brake discs for scoring and the tyres for even tread wear will help confirm that the suspension and braking systems are currently stable and performing as expected.