2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · AM53 BOO

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan’s most recent MOT test on 2026-04-20 was passed with no defects, marking a positive turnaround from its previous failures in 2023 and 2024. While the vehicle’s MOT history shows a mix of advisories and one major failure, the absence of defects in the latest test suggests either effective remedial work or a stabilisation of underlying issues. However, the recurring advisories—particularly around tyre wear, suspension bush wear, and brake pad condition—indicate that the vehicle has not been fully maintained to industry standards, with some components approaching critical thresholds. The pattern of advisories and minor failures over the past four years points to a need for proactive attention rather than reactive repairs, especially given the wear progression observed in the suspension and tyres. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 109,790 miles over approximately 14 years represents an average of around 7,842 miles annually, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. However, the MOT history does not provide explicit data on usage patterns, but the presence of multiple advisories—including near legal limits on tyre wear and suspension components—suggests either prolonged periods of high usage or neglect in between servicing intervals. Higher mileage generally accelerates wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension bushes, while lower mileage can sometimes mask issues due to reduced dynamic stress. The recent MOT’s clean slate may reflect either a recent service or a temporary reprieve, but the underlying wear trends warrant closer inspection, particularly in the suspension and tyre systems. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the front suspension bushes, which failed MOT in 2023 and 2024 with excessive wear. Listen for clunking noises from the front wheels during acceleration, braking, or cornering, as this often indicates loose or worn suspension components. Visually check for play or excessive movement in the suspension arms or struts, and inspect the bushings for signs of oil leakage or dryness. The front tyres, particularly the near-side and off-side, have been repeatedly flagged for wear close to legal limits, with some showing signs of perishing. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracks or delamination, which can indicate ageing rubber or internal damage. Drive the vehicle at various speeds and through bumps to assess tyre grip and uneven wear patterns, as this may reveal hidden issues like camber misalignment or improper wheel alignment. The rear tyres also require attention, with the 2023 MOT noting a dangerous tread depth below 1.6mm and visible cracking. Replace the rear tyres immediately if they are below the legal minimum tread depth, as this poses a significant safety risk. The rear child seat advisory from previous MOTs suggests the vehicle may have been modified, which could obstruct inspections but does not inherently affect roadworthiness unless the modification itself is unsafe. The central rear propeller shaft flexible coupling was noted as slightly deteriorated in 2022, but this was an advisory and not a failure, so no immediate action is required unless the vehicle exhibits unusual vibrations or noises during acceleration. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age, check the 12V battery for signs of corrosion or poor connections, as standing vehicles can lead to battery failure. Inspect the brake discs for corrosion or binding calipers, especially on the near-side front, where thin brake pads were previously noted. Finally, verify that the engine’s service history aligns with the mileage, as the 2024 MOT failure due to a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) suggests potential oil consumption or ignition issues, warranting a diagnostic check.