2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · EP55 AJP

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 November 2025 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory noting light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. Reviewing the sequence of tests from 2020 onwards, the vehicle has achieved an unbroken run of pass certificates, although the pattern of advisories indicates a gradually accumulating wear profile rather than a static one. Earlier tests in 2021 and 2022 flagged front shock absorber oil misting on both sides, which were not repeated in later examinations, suggesting those particular dampers may have been replaced or that the original advisories were transient. However, the reappearance of shock absorber misting on the rear in 2025 indicates that damper wear is a continuing theme across the suspension. The 2024 entry also recorded a minor defect relating to severe deterioration of the nearside front constant velocity joint boot, a finding that warrants particular attention as failure to address a perished CV boot can rapidly lead to joint contamination, grease loss, and eventual failure of the CV joint itself. Overall the maintenance trajectory is stable but reflects the natural deterioration of an eleven year old vehicle with average usage. With 95,100 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this Tiguan is covering around 8,645 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and demographic. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the MOT history, with tests conducted on a consistent annual basis, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods. This mileage profile places the car squarely in the mid range for a diesel or petrol family SUV of this vintage, meaning that wear sensitive components such as clutches, dual mass flywheels, turbochargers, suspension bushes, and engine mountings should be considered as having consumed a moderate proportion of their expected service life. The steady annual accumulation of miles also implies that the vehicle is unlikely to have suffered from the specific issues associated with low mileage or long term standing, such as seized brake calipers, perished fuel hoses, or severe underbody corrosion from inactivity. Given the recurring advisories relating to suspension dampers across multiple test cycles, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the condition and ride quality of all four shock absorbers. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speeds over speed humps, and observe whether the vehicle exhibits excessive body roll through corners or prolonged pitching under braking. Uneven tyre wear across an axle can also indicate weakened dampers, and it would be prudent to inspect the tread pattern across all four tyres for inner or outer shoulder wear. The shock absorber misting noted at recent tests is currently within advisory limits but typically progresses; budget should be reserved for replacement dampers and springs in the near term. Additionally, the advisories from 2021 regarding both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the edges suggest that the rear wheel alignment or camber settings may warrant checking, and any uneven wear pattern on replacement tyres should be investigated promptly. Beyond the documented MOT advisories, several age and mileage related items merit physical inspection prior to purchase. With the vehicle being over a decade old, examine the tyres not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by UV exposure and age related rubber degradation, particularly on the inner side facing the wheel arch which is less frequently inspected. Inspect the brake discs for any visible lipping or corrosion around the outer edges, which can indicate binding calipers or infrequent use of the brakes, and listen for any scraping or grinding noise under light braking. Verify the condition of the CV joint boots referenced in the 2024 test to confirm that the deteriorated boot has been replaced, as a split or perished boot will lead to grease loss and eventual joint failure if ignored. Check the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, and confirm that the service book demonstrates regular oil and filter changes at manufacturer specified intervals. Finally, given that brake fluid and coolant degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, ask for evidence that these fluids have been renewed within the last two to three years, and check the 12V battery health, as original equipment units of this age commonly require replacement.