2012 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L Diesel · NJ61 CYX

The Touareg’s most recent MOT, conducted just six months ago on 29 January 2026, confirms it passed without any defects—a clean slate at 38,361 miles. However, the preceding tests reveal a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance, particularly with tyres and suspension. The February 2025 test flagged all four tyres as cracked or perishing, while the January 2024 inspection repeated this issue alongside minor steering rack bush movement, suggesting neglect rather than urgent mechanical failure. The February 2023 test, by contrast, showed no faults, indicating either a brief period of proper care or that earlier issues were overlooked until they became MOT-reportable. The recorded mileage of 38,361 miles over 14 years—roughly 2,740 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, implying prolonged periods of inactivity or limited use. The largest mileage jump occurred between the February 2023 (31,132 miles) and January 2024 (33,449 miles) tests, a gain of 2,317 miles in just over a year, which could correlate with the first appearance of tyre degradation and steering rack bush wear. The gap between the January 2024 and February 2025 tests (2,159 miles) was similarly rapid, reinforcing the suspicion that the vehicle was driven sporadically rather than consistently. This irregular usage pattern may have exacerbated wear on components like suspension bushes and tyres, which degrade more rapidly when subjected to intermittent stress rather than steady, moderate use. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, as the repeated perishing faults in 2024 and 2025 indicate either age-related deterioration or prolonged exposure to UV and moisture without rotation or replacement. The steering rack bushes, noted for slight movement in 2024, warrant closer examination for excessive play or fluid leaks, which could signal impending failure. Corrosion in wheel arches, suspension mounts, and subframe areas should also be checked, as rust is a silent but critical risk for vehicles of this age, particularly in the Touareg’s higher-ground-clearance design. Finally, the absence of brake-related advisories in recent tests does not preclude binding calipers or uneven disc wear—buyers should verify brake fluid condition and pedal travel, as moisture contamination and extended periods of disuse can compromise hydraulic efficiency.