2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance TDI 4MOTION SA 2.0L Diesel · CU72 WLL

A relatively thin but largely unblemished MOT record defines the mechanical picture of this Tiguan, with two tests on file both returning pass certificates. The most recent examination on 18 August 2026 issued a single advisory for light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber, while the previous test a year earlier flagged only that manufacturer-fitted sill covers and under-trays were restricting full visual inspection of components. With no failures, no refusals, and no recurring advisories beyond the single shock absorber note, the DVSA history presents a stable rather than deteriorating trend, although the light oil misting is a genuine early indicator that the damper seal is beginning to weather and will warrant monitoring on subsequent tests. Recorded mileage stands at 22,110 miles across a four year old vehicle, equating to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,500 miles per year, which sits well below the typical figure for a diesel SUV of this age. The two recorded tests fall only twelve months apart in 2025 and 2026, indicating continuous use rather than a long period off the road, and the mileage gap between the two tests would have to be modest given the small total. Such low usage means mechanical wear on major drivetrain components, clutch, turbo, DPF and dual mass flywheel will be minimal in absolute terms, but the diesel particulate filter, EGR valve and AdBlue system are particularly sensitive to short journeys where the engine does not regularly reach sustained operating temperature. A buyer should be alert to the possibility of DPF partial blocking and turbo carbon build-up even at this mileage, as prolonged low speed urban use is the typical cause of these issues on modern TDI vehicles. Brake discs and pads, conversely, may show surface corrosion from light use and weather exposure rather than wear, which is normal but worth checking. Targeted inspection should focus on the nearside front shock absorber flagged in the 2026 advisory, as light misting progresses to a weeping seal and eventually a visibly wet damper body. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would suggest the damper is losing its damping force, and feel for any residual bounce after pressing down hard on each front corner with the vehicle stationary. Examine the underside for any fresh oil staining on the nearside front damper housing or coil spring, and check that the tyre on that corner is wearing evenly, as a failing damper commonly produces a characteristic patch wear pattern. The 4MOTION haldex coupling should also be exercised, ideally on a slippery surface or by feeling for binding or shudder under tight low speed manoeuvres, while the rear propshaft and driveshaft boots warrant a visual check for splits given their position beneath the vehicle. The 2025 advisory regarding manufacturer body under-trays and sill covers is a routine observation rather than a defect, but it does mean that a standard MOT visual check could not fully assess the condition of the underfloor, subframe, brake lines and suspension arms. A prospective buyer should therefore insist on the under-trays being removed during any pre-purchase inspection, or arrange for the vehicle to be raised on a ramp so that the subframe mounting points, fuel lines, exhaust downpipe, handbrake cables and anti-roll bar drop links can be examined directly for corrosion or damage. Particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension multi-link bushes on diesel Tiguans, which can deteriorate earlier than expected, and to the condition of the front brake discs, as light use can produce lipping and uneven wear rather than smooth even contact. Finally, confirm the service history and ask whether the diesel system has been subject to any manufacturer updates, as low annual mileage on a modern common rail TDI can mask underlying issues that only emerge under load.