2017 Volkswagen Amarok 3.0L Diesel · PH11 LCK

Across the seven MOT tests recorded for this Volkswagen Amarok, the roadworthiness profile is largely clean, with a single minor issue breaking an otherwise unbroken sequence of pass results. The most recent test on 2025-12-24 was passed with no defects recorded, continuing a stable pattern that has held since 2020. Only one failure appears in the history, logged on the same date as a pass in 2023-12-27, where the nearside driver's external mirror view was significantly obstructed. That defect falls under visibility rather than mechanical integrity and was evidently resolved for the same-day pass. Two advisories were issued in 2022-12-20 concerning nearside and offside front inner tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, but no tyre, brake, suspension, corrosion, or exhaust advisories have appeared since, indicating a clean three-year run of test outcomes with no flagged component wear. Recorded mileage stands at 79,278 miles across approximately nine years of service, equating to an annual accumulation of roughly 8,809 miles, which is broadly typical for a working pickup of this age. There are no extended testing gaps that would suggest long periods off the road, and the consistent year-on-year testing pattern from 2020 through 2025 demonstrates continuous use. The 2020-06-22 advisory citing the COVID-19 six-month extension is an administrative note reflecting the national MOT exemption period rather than a vehicle-specific defect, and the subsequent return to standard annual testing indicates the Amarok was returned to active service without any recorded concerns. This steady usage pattern, combined with the absence of repeat advisories on wear-related items, suggests the mechanical consumables have been replaced at a normal service interval pace rather than suffering from accelerated degradation. For a prospective buyer, the front inner tyre edge wear flagged in 2022 warrants specific attention, as uneven inner shoulder wear on a twin-turbocharged commercial vehicle of this weight is often linked to suspension geometry, camber settings, or worn components in the front axle. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed bumps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel which could indicate worn drop links, track rod ends, or top mount bearings. Pay particular attention to whether the steering pulls to one side under braking or during straight-line cruising, which could point to geometry drift or a partially binding brake caliper. Inspect the inner shoulders of the front tyres directly for feathering or stepped wear, and check that the tracking has been checked since the advisory, as uneven wear of that nature can recur if the underlying cause was not rectified. The mirror obstruction failure recorded in 2023 is worth verifying during a physical inspection, ensuring the driver's door mirror provides a clear and compliant rearward view and that any aftermarket phone mounts, dash cameras, or cab dividers have not been repositioned in a way that obstructs the legally required mirror coverage. Given the Amarok's role as a load-carrying vehicle, it is also prudent to inspect the rear bed area, under-tray protection, and visible underbody components for any signs of corrosion or damage from heavy payloads, as the MOT history does not record structural or corrosion advisories but cannot comment on areas not visible during standard testing. Finally, confirm the timing belt or chain replacement interval has been observed according to Volkswagen's service schedule for the diesel engine, as a nine-year-old commercial vehicle with this mileage is approaching the territory where major driveline servicing is due regardless of test outcome.