2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4L Petrol · AF07 TON

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan’s most recent MOT test on 2025-11-13 resulted in a clean pass, with no defects recorded and no prior failures in the preceding year. This follows a consistent pattern of passing MOTs since 2022, though the advisory items from earlier tests—particularly the tyre wear close to legal limits in 2022 and the nearside rear child seat obstruction—suggest some attention to wear and minor configuration changes over time. The absence of repeated failures or critical defects indicates a generally stable maintenance record, though the advisories highlight areas where wear progression or operational adjustments may have occurred, warranting closer scrutiny during inspection. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 62,230 miles at a current count aligns closely with its age of approximately eight years, averaging around 7,779 miles annually—a rate that is typical for its class and usage profile. The steady mileage accumulation suggests moderate, consistent use rather than prolonged idling or high-mileage stress, which would otherwise accelerate wear on consumables like brakes, tyres, and suspension components. However, the 2022 MOT advisories regarding tyre wear close to legal limits—particularly on the near- and offside front tyres—point to potential uneven or excessive tread loss, which could indicate alignment issues, improper inflation, or prolonged high-speed driving. A test drive should include checking for uneven tyre wear patterns, such as feathering or cupping, which may reveal underlying suspension or steering problems. Given the vehicle’s mileage and the advisories from 2022, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, focusing on tread depth, sidewall condition, and signs of uneven wear. Tyres worn close to legal limits pose a safety risk, especially in wet conditions, and should be replaced promptly to avoid reduced traction and potential MOT failure. Additionally, the test drive should include listening for suspension clunks or rattles, particularly around the front wheels, which could signal worn suspension bushes or coil spring degradation. If the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, inspect the undercarriage for signs of standing corrosion, particularly around the exhaust system, brake lines, and wheel bearings, as corrosion from moisture can compromise structural integrity and fluid sealing. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the buyer should also verify the condition of the 12V battery, as prolonged use without a charge can lead to internal degradation or failure, especially if the vehicle has been left unused for significant periods. The brake system should be inspected for corrosion on discs and linings, or signs of binding calipers, which can occur from prolonged standing or excessive heat exposure. Fluid levels—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and differential/transmission fluid—should be checked for freshness, as fluids degrade over time even when not used, and should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations (typically every 2–3 years for brake fluid and coolant). Lastly, the service history should be reviewed to confirm that scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, timing belt replacement, and suspension component servicing, has been conducted as advised. If the service book is incomplete or lacks recent stamps, the buyer should request a full service log to ensure no critical intervals were missed.