2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · JE10 AVE

The Volkswagen Tiguan in question has demonstrated a mixed but ultimately stable roadworthiness trend over the past three years, with only minor and largely resolved issues. The most recent MOT on 6 March 2026 at 56,909 miles passed without major defects, though the tester noted uneven tyre wear on both front tyres—scrubbing on the offside outer and nearside inner/outer—which suggests alignment or suspension wear. This is the first sign of mechanical concern in the latest test, whereas the 2025 MOT at 53,147 miles was entirely clean, indicating no worsening structural or safety issues. The only recurring problem, rear brake pad wear, was addressed by the March 2024 failure, where thin pads caused a fail—yet the vehicle passed the subsequent test just weeks later, implying the issue was corrected promptly. No advisories or major corrosion warnings appear in the record, and the absence of repeated fails on critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers points to competent upkeep overall. Mileage accumulation has been steady and typical for the vehicle’s age, averaging around 7,114 miles per year—a rate that aligns with moderate use without excessive strain. The gap between the 2023 MOT at 40,658 miles and the 2024 test at 48,219 miles suggests a roughly 7,500-mile interval, which is reasonable for a well-maintained car. The subsequent 12-month period saw another 4,932 miles logged by March 2025, followed by a further 3,762 miles to the latest test in 2026. This pattern rules out prolonged neglect or heavy usage, though the slight dip in annual mileage in the last year may reflect seasonal or personal factors. The data is sparse but consistent, with no red flags in mileage jumps or prolonged inactivity that might hint at storage-related issues like seized components or degraded fluids. For a buyer, the primary focus should be the front suspension and wheel alignment, given the recent tyre scrubbing—this could indicate worn suspension bushes, damaged track control arms, or a misaligned steering rack. The rear brake system, while corrected, should be double-checked for uneven pad wear or potential caliper binding, especially if the vehicle exhibits a slight pull or vibration under braking. Structural integrity appears sound, but a thorough inspection of the undercarriage for corrosion—particularly around wheel arches, sills, and exhaust mounts—is prudent, as the MOT record provides no evidence of rust-related advisories. Finally, verify that the registration plates now comply with DVSA standards, as the 2024 failure suggests a prior non-compliance issue that may have been hastily resolved. No major mechanical red flags emerge, but these targeted checks will confirm whether the vehicle’s upkeep has been as diligent as the MOT history suggests.