2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · AM08 CBO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. While it passed its most recent test in May 2026 at 155,615 miles, it failed just one day prior due to mechanical and safety defects. The trend is inconsistent, as the vehicle repeatedly fails to meet standards on the first attempt annually, suggesting that the owner only addresses faults when necessitated by the testing process. At 18 years old with 155,615 recorded miles, the Tiguan averages approximately 8,645 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage patterns for a diesel SUV of this age. The data shows steady accumulation, with roughly 10,000 miles covered between May 2024 and May 2025, and another 11,000 miles between May 2025 and May 2026. This consistent mileage suggests the vehicle is not sitting idle, but the high cumulative mileage places significant strain on age-related components like rubber bushings and suspension mounting. A buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension, as the offside front coil spring was recorded as fractured in May 2025 and then found broken in May 2026. This recurring failure indicates a potential issue with component quality or continued neglect of suspension-related wear. The repeated failure regarding the Engine Management Indicator Light (MIL) being inoperative in both 2025 and 2026 is a serious red flag; it suggests the electronic monitoring system may have been tampered with or could mask underlying engine faults if the light fails to illuminate when the ignition is cycled. Physical inspection of the structural integrity around the wheel arches is essential, as the record notes missing trims on the nearside front and offside rear. Missing trims expose metal to moisture and salt, which rapidly accelerates corrosion in older Volkswagens. Given the history of low tyre tread and uneven wear noted in 2025, the buyer should verify the current condition of all tyres and check for alignment issues to ensure the suspension geometry is not causing premature wear.