2008 Volkswagen Touran 1.9L Diesel · VE08 ABO

The most recent MOT recorded on 19 November 2025 resulted in a failure, the primary cause being a fault indicated by the supplementary restraint system warning lamp. In addition to this electronic fault, the test highlighted an oil leak that has been noted on every MOT since 2023, slight play in both rear anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball joints, and wear on the off‑side front lower suspension arm pin or bush. The recurrence of the oil‑leak advisory each year, the emergence of suspension wear and the escalation from advisory to a major SRS fault demonstrate a clear deterioration rather than a stabilising maintenance trend. With a recorded 136 023 miles on the odometer, the vehicle averages roughly 7 500 miles per annum over its 18‑year life, a usage pattern that sits comfortably within the normal range for a family MPV of this age. There are no evident periods of unusually high mileage that would accelerate wear, but the combination of age and moderate annual distance means that many wear items – suspension bushings, brake components and engine seals – will have approached the end of their service lives regardless of the relatively modest mileage. Prospective buyers should give the oil‑leak source immediate attention; common origins on a 2008 Touran include the valve‑cover gasket, oil‑filter housing or the oil‑pan gasket. Look for fresh oil on the sump and under the engine bay, and verify that the leak is not excessive, as even a small steady seep can lead to low oil level, increased engine wear and fire risk. The rear anti‑roll‑bar ball joints should be examined for excessive movement; any clunking or shudder when traversing uneven road surfaces indicates that the joints may need replacement. The off‑side front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear can manifest as vague steering looseness, uneven tyre wear or a knocking sensation when cornering, and should be inspected for play and replaced if the rubber has deteriorated. The SRS warning lamp must be diagnosed with a compatible scan tool; a fault could stem from a faulty airbag module, clock‑spring or wiring harness, and the system should be rectified before the vehicle is driven regularly for safety and legal compliance. The brake‑pressure build‑up advisory from 2023 suggests the possibility of ageing brake fluid or a marginal master‑cylinder; a test‑drive should reveal any spongy pedal feel, delayed response or brake fade, and a full brake fluid flush and inspection of the calipers and discs would be prudent. Given the vehicle’s age, additional time‑based inspections are advisable. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, especially the near‑side front tyre that was flagged as close to the legal tread limit in 2023; replacement is likely required soon. Check the 12‑volt battery for cranking performance and inspect the terminals for corrosion, as a battery over 5 years old may fail unexpectedly. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points and the anti‑roll‑bar brackets, and verify that the exhaust system is free from perforations or excessive corrosion. Finally, confirm that the service book contains recent oil, filter, coolant and brake‑fluid changes in line with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, as fluids degrade with time even on low‑mileage vehicles. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the Touran’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable, safe condition.