2020 Volkswagen Amarok 3.0L Diesel · SW20 DKV

The most recent MOT on 10 June 2026 was a pass, albeit with advisories concerning corrosion on both front brake pipes and moderate wear on the front brake discs. Over the past three years the vehicle has shown a mixed maintenance record – a failure in July 2025 for a rear wheel bearing, parking‑brake effort and anti‑roll‑bar bush wear, followed by a failure in August 2024 for front anti‑roll‑bar bush deterioration. Subsequent passes have only produced advisory notes, suggesting that the major faults identified have been addressed, but a pattern of recurring oil‑leak advisories and wear‑related items remains, indicating a maintenance trend that is stabilising but still requires close monitoring. At 148,850 miles the Amarok has accumulated roughly 24,800 miles per year, well above the average for a six‑year‑old light commercial vehicle. Such high annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables – brake discs, pads, suspension bushings and tyre tread – and can exacerbate ageing of seals and gaskets, leading to the oil‑leak advisories seen throughout the MOT history. The mileage also suggests the vehicle has been used heavily, likely on a mix of highway and off‑road duties, which places additional stress on the drivetrain, rear differential and chassis components. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front brake pipe condition; inspect the pipe interiors for rust and ensure the protective coating is intact, as corrosion can lead to fluid loss and reduced braking efficiency. Verify the thickness of the front brake discs and the remaining pad material on all four corners, listening for any squeal or shudder under moderate braking. The rear wheel bearing on the near‑side should be checked for play by rocking the wheel and feeling for roughness when rotated; any excessive movement will manifest as a humming or grinding noise at speed. The parking‑brake system must be tested for firm, even pull on both rear wheels, and the rear brake pads should be measured for remaining thickness to avoid imminent replacement. Examine all oil‑leak points – engine valve cover, transmission rear‑diff housing and rear differential – for fresh oil, wetness or crusted deposits, and consider a full fluid change if the leaks have been persistent, as degraded oil can affect bearing life and gearbox reliability. Beyond the specific MOT items, the high mileage and age warrant a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth and uneven wear that could indicate suspension mis‑alignment. Check the condition of the anti‑roll‑bar bushes and the steering rack mounts for any looseness or excessive play, as prior advisories suggest these points have been prone to wear. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and assess for any signs of sulfation, especially if the vehicle has spent periods standing idle. Finally, confirm that the service history includes regular oil, filter and coolant changes at manufacturer‑specified intervals, as time‑based fluid degradation can be as critical as mileage‑driven wear on a vehicle with this usage profile.