2020 Volkswagen T-ROC 1.5L Petrol · YA69 WDZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, but three advisories were recorded against the vehicle. It is important to note that the November 2024 test resulted in a Failure on a Dangerous defect relating to the rear inner brake pads being worn below the 1.5 mm minimum thickness, alongside an advisory that the brake fluid was close to the minimum mark. The vehicle subsequently returned to test just four days later on 2 December 2024 and passed, indicating that the brake pad issue was rectified. The recurring appearance of front tyre wear advisories across consecutive tests suggests an ongoing issue with tracking, suspension geometry, or driving style that has not been fully resolved. Overall, the maintenance trend appears to have stabilised in the short term following the brake rectification, but the persistence of tyre-related advisories across multiple consecutive tests warrants close attention from a prospective buyer, as does the brake fluid advisory which suggests the fluid may not have been changed at the recommended intervals. The recorded mileage of 42,793 miles over approximately six years equates to an annual usage of around 7,132 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently completed from 2022 through to 2025, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life. This level of mileage is relatively moderate and implies steady rather than excessive wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch. However, the combination of moderate annual mileage with predominantly urban or short-journey use, which is typical of vehicles covering around 7,000 miles per year, can accelerate certain wear patterns, particularly on brake components due to repeated light braking cycles and on tyres from short-distance cornering loads. The fact that front tyres have been flagged for edge wear on two consecutive tests may indicate the vehicle is primarily used in front-heavy driving conditions or that a geometry issue has developed. Given the brake-related failure and advisories in late 2024, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough inspection of the braking system. Confirm that the rear brake pads were replaced with quality components and verify whether the brake discs were also renewed at the same time, as pads worn below 1.5 mm typically indicate that the discs may have sustained heat damage or excessive wear. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or squealing from the rear brakes, and check for brake shudder or pull under moderate braking. Inspect all visible brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and underbody, as the T-Roc is now six years old and starting to accumulate road salt exposure. The brake fluid advisory is a clear indicator that the fluid has not been refreshed recently; brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be changed every two years regardless of mileage, so factor in an immediate fluid service if no recent records exist. Verify the condition and age of the brake fluid using a refractometer or by checking the service book for evidence of a recent change. The recurring front tyre edge wear across two consecutive MOT tests is a significant concern that should be investigated before purchase. Have the wheel alignment checked on a four-wheel alignment machine, as uneven or inner-edge wear typically indicates incorrect camber or toe settings, worn suspension bushes, or potentially bent suspension components from kerb impact. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to steering vagueness or the vehicle drifting to one side. Inspect all four tyres for age-related perishing and cracking on the sidewalls, particularly given that the nearside rear tyre was flagged for slight damage and perishing in 2025. Check the production date codes on all tyres and consider replacement if any are over five years old. Beyond the recorded defects, a six-year-old vehicle with this mileage should have a full service history verified, with particular attention to the timing belt or chain service interval, the condition of the 12V battery which typically fails between years five and seven, and the condition of the coolant and transmission fluids. A compression test or diagnostic scan for stored fault codes in the ABS, DSG or DQ200 gearbox, and engine management systems would also be prudent given the vehicle age.