suspension question

[morpeth clan]

can any one advise if its normal for a 2014 to have suspension bush issues on its first and only 2 MOT,s it has a tow bar as considering purchase

 

[ArunAlec]

can any one advise if its normal for a 2014 to have suspension bush issues on its first and only 2 MOT,s it has a tow bar as considering purchase

Mileage?

 

[morpeth clan]

Mileage?

41000 very good condition

 

[WelshGas]

41000 very good condition

I suppose it might depend what it has been towing. I have a 2014 4Motion with Towbar for a bike rack, used frequently and have had no MOT queries. Just passed 70,000 miles.

 

[WelshGas]

The other possibility, despite it having done 41,000 miles in 4 years, is it used all year round or does it spend 6 months over winter laid up. That could cause distortion and premature wearing of suspension bushes.

 

[morpeth clan]

it is used for school runs and has been round Europe a few times
latest MOT was front lhs bush and very low pad depth all round last MOT was front rhs bush and tyres
just want to make sure, could it be heavy loads long trips over rough roads ?

 

[WelshGas]

it is used for school runs and has been round Europe a few times
latest MOT was front lhs bush and very low pad depth all round last MOT was front rhs bush and tyres
just want to make sure, could it be heavy loads long trips over rough roads ?

Well my last MOT at 60k miles. Brake pads minimum 50% left.

Unlikely heavy loads over rough roads, more likely periodic use rather than regular use.

 

[morpeth clan]

Well my last MOT at 60k miles. Brake pads minimum 50% left.

Unlikely heavy loads over rough roads, more likely periodic use rather than regular use.

just trying to think, should I look at another as don't want bills straight off
are your pads the second set I have done big miles in a car on 1 set but calis are heavy

 

[WelshGas]

just trying to think, should I look at another as don't want bills straight off
are your pads the second set I have done big miles in a car on 1 set but calis are heavy

1st set, nothing changed since new. Just fitted 4th set of All-Season tyres.

 

[morpeth clan]

1st set, nothing changed since new. Just fitted 4th set of All-Season tyres.

that's good like you I am light on brakes and fuel so wear and tear reflect this
might look else where in case of a hard life with this one

 

[WelshGas]

that's good like you I am light on brakes and fuel so wear and tear reflect this
might look else where in case of a hard life with this one

If the MOT advisories are reflected in the price I would actively consider it. Low milage doesn’t mean less problems it can mean more. Many service items are time or milage and frequently if low milage the time requirements have not been followed.
Obviously your decision.

 

[sidepod]

When you say suspension bush, you need to be more specific. It’s unlikely to be a suspension arm bush, more likely anti-roll bar bushes, they wear out every third corner but are much easier and cheaper to replace.

 

[morpeth clan]

When you say suspension bush, you need to be more specific. It’s unlikely to be a suspension arm bush, more likely anti-roll bar bushes, they wear out every third corner but are much easier and cheaper to replace.

it was stated as the front suspension arm bush, the nsf this year and the osf last year
that's how it is described on the MOT history

 

[Skewif]

Was this by any chance a VW dealer who did the last 2 MOT’s? Apart from the bushes is the van just what you want at a reasonable price?

 

[morpeth clan]

Was this by any chance a VW dealer who did the last 2 MOT’s? Apart from the bushes is the van just what you want at a reasonable price?

yes it was vw ?
van ok but tyres and cambelt/ pump reqd prices seem all over
so will keep an eye out as plenty popping up lately
hardest part is the travel to see them, had kids out 12 hours last weekend to be fair they did well

 

[Ian Robinson]

Just had cambelt and water pump replaced at 4 years by VW dealer for £480 including VAT - but I’m sure you could get it cheaper from an independent mechanic if needed?

Our Cali had both front suspension top mounts changed at first MOT just before we bought it at 36000 miles.

Just passed 2nd MOT with no advisory issues (or whatever they are now called on new MOT). So fingers crossed.

Unfortunately with all vehicles there are examples that seem to have no issues and those that seem to have every issue going - I feel for you as it’s such a difficult decision to decide what used vehicle to buy.