2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Match TSI EVO 1.5L Petrol · AF70 VRZ

The most recent MOT, dated 20 October 2025, recorded dangerous failures on both the nearside and off‑side rear tyres, each cited for a structural tear under regulation 5.2.3(d)(ii). Although the test otherwise passed, the presence of two dangerous tyre defects means the vehicle is not legally roadworthy until the rear tyres are replaced and re‑tested. The preceding three years show a clean record with no defects, indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance was satisfactory up to that point but has now deteriorated in a critical safety area. At 88 350 miles the Tiguan has covered roughly 14 700 miles per annum over its six‑year life, a usage rate well above the UK average for a family SUV. Such mileage accelerates wear on consumables and load‑bearing components; the suspension bushings, coil springs and anti‑roll bar links are likely to be approaching the end of their service life, and the brake discs and pads will have experienced substantial heat cycles. The high annual mileage also suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than stored, which generally favours mechanical health but increases the probability of cumulative fatigue in the drivetrain and chassis. The immediate priority for any prospective buyer is to replace the rear tyres with a matched set that meets the manufacturer’s load and speed ratings. While fitting new tyres, inspect the tyre mounting rims for cracks or corrosion and verify that the wheel bolts torque to specification. A post‑replacement road‑test should be attentive to any rear‑wheel vibration, shudder on acceleration, or uneven tyre wear that could indicate mis‑alignment, worn rear suspension bushes, or a failing rear axle bearing. Given the dangerous tyre condition, also examine the front tyres for age‑related perishing – sidewall cracking, dry rot or tread loss – as they may need replacement even if the tread depth appears acceptable. Beyond the tyres, a thorough buyer inspection should include a visual and tactile check of the suspension components for cracked or pitted bushings, especially at the front lower arms and rear trailing arms, and a bounce test to detect excessive play in the springs or dampers. Inspect the brake discs for scoring, rust through the vent holes or excessive thickness variation, and verify that the pads have adequate material remaining. Examine the under‑body for any signs of corrosion on the chassis rails, exhaust hangers and fuel tank mounts, which can be exacerbated by high mileage and exposure to road salts. Test the 12 V battery voltage and cranking performance, as a six‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life, and confirm that the coolant, gearbox oil and engine oil have been changed at the intervals recommended by Volkswagen – typically every 30 000 miles or two years for the latter two. A full service history with stamps for these fluid changes will give confidence that time‑based maintenance has been observed despite the vehicle’s relatively high mileage.