2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · CE59 OGZ

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s most recent MOT test on 4 August 2025—just 11 months ago—confirms it remains roadworthy, though the preceding history reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than outright neglect. While no defects were recorded in the latest pass, the 2025 June test highlighted persistent offside front suspension ball joint deterioration, a fault that first appeared in 2024 and again in 2023. The 2024 test also flagged thin rear brake pads and worn suspension bushes, issues that suggest the vehicle has been driven with minor mechanical compromises rather than addressed systematically. The 2023 test was the most critical, exposing oil leaks from the front shocks, perished rear bump stops, and worn rear anti-roll bar linkages—all signs of prolonged exposure to wear without intervention. The trend is not worsening but remains unstable; critical components like the suspension and brakes have been allowed to degrade incrementally rather than repaired or replaced. The mileage progression of 121,531 miles over 17 years indicates typical usage for its age, averaging around 7,150 miles annually with no extreme spikes or prolonged inactivity. The largest gap between tests occurred between March 2022 and June 2023—a 15-month interval—during which the vehicle accumulated 7,739 miles. While this is not unusual for a lightly used vehicle, the absence of defects in the 2022 test contrasts sharply with the cascade of issues in 2023, implying either deferred maintenance or a sudden failure of previously overlooked components. The most recent 11-month interval (August 2025 to present) aligns with standard MOT frequency, but the lack of pre-test servicing records means no independent verification of oil changes, fluid top-ups, or brake pad replacements exists. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front suspension, particularly the offside lower arm ball joints and their dust covers, which have shown consistent deterioration. The rear suspension also warrants scrutiny: the anti-roll bar linkages, shock bump stops, and brake discs were all flagged in 2023, and while some may have been addressed, the lack of subsequent tests makes this uncertain. Brake pads and discs should be measured for remaining thickness and surface condition, as the 2024 test indicated they were already wearing thin. Structural integrity checks are advisable, especially around the wheel arches and sills, given the perishing tyres and oil leaks noted in 2023, which could signal broader corrosion or fluid retention issues. Independent verification of service history—particularly oil and brake fluid changes—would further clarify whether the vehicle has been maintained adequately despite the MOT’s passing grades.