2013 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · AF63 WBL

A clear pattern of front suspension wear has emerged across this Tiguan's MOT record, with three separate front-end advisories flagged on the November 2025 test alone: nearside and offside front lower suspension arm rear mount bushes, plus a nearside front upper Macpherson strut pin or bush showing movement at the bearing. Two earlier failures also stand out, the October 2024 test failed on an insecure offside headlamp, and the October 2023 test failed because the offside side repeater in the mirror was not functioning. Both failures are minor in isolation, but the headlamp failure is worth flagging because an insecure lamp is unusual on a relatively modern Volkswagen and can suggest previous work around the front end, while the recurring side repeater issue across 2022 and 2023 hints at persistent electrical or connector faults in the door mirror assembly. A windscreen chip in the central upper area has been recorded consistently from 2020 through 2025, though consistently classed as minor and not affecting the driver's view. At 163,968 miles against a thirteen-year build, this Tiguan is running at roughly 12,600 miles per year on average, which is a high annual accumulation for its age and places it firmly in high-mileage territory. There are no significant gaps in the testing record, with annual MOTs recorded consecutively from 2020 through 2025, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods. High annual mileage of this level accelerates wear on the very components that are already flagging in the advisories, namely front suspension bushes and brake pads, and it also increases exposure to general drivetrain fatigue on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, and timing chain, none of which are inspected during an MOT but which are mechanically relevant at this odometer reading. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension findings should be the primary focus of inspection. The lower arm rear mount bushes and the Macpherson strut bearing on the 2025 test should be physically checked by rocking the wheels and listening for clonking over speed humps or uneven road surfaces; any knocking or shudder through the steering column on rough tarmac would suggest these bushes have progressed beyond the advisory stage and need replacement. Given the recurring nature of the suspension advisories between 2021 and 2025, it is reasonable to budget for a full front suspension refresh including lower arms, bushes, and the strut top bearing, particularly if any movement is felt during a test drive. The steering should also be assessed for vagueness or pulling, as worn rear mount bushes can affect tracking and front-end geometry, leading to uneven front tyre wear, something to look for on the offside front which has previously been flagged as worn on edge. The brake system requires equally close attention. The October 2024 test recorded rear brake pads wearing thin, and given two years and likely substantial mileage since, the rear discs and pads should be inspected for lipping, corrosion, and remaining friction material, along with the front set which would have done the majority of the stopping work on a heavy SUV carrying this mileage. The test drive should include firm pedal applications from speed to check for judder, which would indicate warped front discs, and to confirm the handbrake holds on an incline, as rear caliper sliding mechanisms can seize on high-mileage vehicles. The insecure offside headlamp from the 2024 failure should be verified as properly seated, and the offside door mirror side repeater should be confirmed as functional, as replacement of the repeater lens or full mirror unit can be costly on later Volkswagen products. Finally, a thorough under-bonnet check for oil leaks around the cam chain area and any signs of coolant loss would be prudent given the mileage, even though none of these items are covered by the MOT record itself.