also checking the MOT history tyres were an advisory in 2023 but not 2024 so makes me wonder if they were changed and the ones in the boot are the old ones
Right I've been researching the parts from the pics. The one below is a brake vacuum pump. Part number 03g145209c. That's probably whats wrong with the brakes.
The part below is the balance shaft oil pump with part number 03g103537b. If there's a problem with the oil pump then this could damage the engine if ran.
The part below is the brake fluid reservoir and is where you would top up the brake fluid.
The part below is the battery control module. Part number 4f0915181a. Theres a fuse that controls the interior lights and rear window heater and this module. So if the interior lights and rear heated window isn't working then it's worth looking at fuses. I'm.nit sure which fuse it is though. This part trickles charges out to all the various components when the car is not running. It's situated in the boot bolted to the "bumper" area.
All the images I can't see the part numbers. So if you take pics of the parts showing the numbers then I can help further.
The thing most people forget about german cars is that no matter how cheap they become Tom purchase the maintenance costs are just the same. So like you say, people just leave it if something big starts to fail.
Not necessarily as it depends on when the car wants to do a regeneration on the dpf.
Unfortunately dog and egr issues are common problems on most modern diesels these days. Use the search function to see the different threads to see what I mean
Yes you could end up with blocked dpf with soot if the engine isn't run hot for long enough. I'd definitely advise a petrol in your case.
Also I'm not sure what towns/cities you visit but diesel will be more of a problem if emissions zones are brought in.