2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5L Petrol · 89 ST

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 25 September 2025 at 51,255 miles with zero defects recorded. That result marks a clear step forward from the advisory noted in September 2023, when the tester flagged rear brake pads wearing thin at 27,245 miles. The absence of any repeat brake defect in the two subsequent tests suggests the pads and likely the discs were replaced, and the braking system is now in satisfactory order. The 2022 test at 17,559 miles recorded two minor advisories, a localised windscreen chip within the driver's field of view and a nail puncture in the offside front tyre, both of which appear to have been rectified given their absence from later records. Overall, the trajectory from minor advisories to a fully clean sheet indicates attentive ownership in recent years. Mileage accumulation sits at roughly 8,542 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests regular rather than light use. The recorded intervals are consistent: approximately 10,902 miles added between September 2022 and September 2023, then 13,108 miles between September 2023 and September 2024, and 10,902 miles between September 2024 and September 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops in the odometer record that would raise concern about mileage tampering or prolonged standing. The annual test dates cluster reliably around late September, pointing to a disciplined MOT schedule. A buyer inspecting this Tiguan in person should focus on the rear braking system despite the clean 2025 result. The 2023 advisory on rear pads at just 27,245 miles is relatively early for pad wear on a vehicle of this type, and it is worth checking whether the rear calipers are binding or if the handbrake mechanism is causing uneven deposit buildup. The front brakes and discs should also be measured for thickness and condition, as heavier use at higher mileages places greater demand on the front axle. Suspension components, particularly rear trailing arm bushes and front lower arm bushes, deserve close inspection given the accumulated mileage and the typical failure points on the MQB platform used by the Tiguan. A thorough underbody check for corrosion on the subframe, suspension mounting points, and around the rear axle is advisable, as these areas can deteriorate on vehicles used in salted winter roads. The windscreen advisory from 2022 appears to have been resolved, but the buyer should still scan the screen for any fresh stone chips or cracks, especially near the base where water ingress can affect wiper motor electronics. Tyre condition and age should be verified across all four corners and the spare if fitted, as the 2022 puncture history suggests the car may have been driven over road debris. The exhaust system and DPF, where fitted, should be assessed for smoke on cold start, given that a Tiguan doing a mix of short and longer journeys at this mileage can suffer from incomplete regeneration cycles. Overall, the MOT record supports a well-maintained vehicle, but a pre-purchase inspection focused on rear brakes, suspension bushes, and underbody corrosion would provide the buyer with the clearest picture of its current mechanical state.