2012 Volkswagen Touran 1.6L Diesel · RO62 LRN

A consistent pattern of front-end braking wear and front-tyre edge wear has emerged across multiple consecutive MOT tests on this 2012 Volkswagen Touran, defining its mechanical story as one of moderate but predictable consumable use rather than structural concern. The most recent test on 29 September 2025 returned a pass with four advisories, continuing a trend that has been visible every year since the clean 2021 examination. Across 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 the testers have repeatedly flagged thinning front brake pads, with pitted and scored front brake discs appearing in the two most recent tests. The 2022 test also captured rear brake pad wear, and the 2025 entry confirms both nearside and offside fronts are now simultaneously approaching the legal limit on pads and tyres, suggesting these components are due for replacement within the next service interval. No corrosion advisories, suspension arm defects, exhaust integrity failures, or structural concerns have been logged at any point in the recorded history, which keeps the overall trajectory in the stable-to-worsening category but well clear of any advisory that would imply imminent failure. The recorded mileage of 118,556 miles across fourteen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 8,468 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical private use for a family MPV of this age. The mileage progression between tests is steady and shows no abrupt jumps that would suggest towing, track use, or odometer irregularity, and there are no extended gaps in the annual testing record that would indicate a prolonged period off the road. This consistent working pace means the braking, suspension, and drivetrain components have experienced genuine wear at a normal rate, reinforcing that the recurring front brake and tyre advisories reflect real-world usage of a vehicle that has been in regular service rather than neglect. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a focused inspection of the front braking system, as it has been the only area of repeated advisory concern. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squeal under light braking that would suggest the nearside and offside front pads, both flagged as wearing thin in September 2025, have now reached the backing plate. Feel for pedal pulsation or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would confirm the pitted front discs noted in the 2024 and 2025 tests have deteriorated beyond their service limit and require machining or replacement. Inspect the front tyres closely for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, as the edge-wear advisories from both the 2022 and 2025 tests can indicate either alignment drift, worn suspension bushes, or simply that the tyres are nearing the end of their usable life. Beyond the braking system, attention should turn to the rear suspension and underbody, given the 2023 advisory noting light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. On the road, listen for any clonking over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which would suggest the misting has progressed to a weeping seal and reduced damping effectiveness. Visually inspect the rear shock bodies for fresh oil residue and check the spring seats and top mounts for corrosion, as Tourans of this generation can develop surface rust on suspension turrets. Finally, conduct a thorough walkaround looking for any fresh corrosion on the rear axle, subframe, and brake pipe runs, as the absence of such advisories to date is reassuring but should be verified physically given the vehicle's age and accumulated mileage.