2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · EL51 ABY

A clean and uninterrupted sequence of pass certificates with no advisories or failures across five consecutive MOT tests gives this Tiguan an exceptionally strong roadworthiness profile for its age. The most recent examination on 13 November 2025 recorded no defects whatsoever, and the four prior tests between 2021 and 2024 follow the same pattern, demonstrating a stable mechanical condition with no emerging advisories or recurring concerns flagged by the testing station. A ten-year-old vehicle passing MOT scrutiny five years in a row without a single advisory is unusual and suggests the fundamental safety-critical components, including the braking system, suspension, exhaust, and lighting, have remained in sound condition throughout the testing period. At 44,451 miles on a 2016 registration, this Tiguan has averaged roughly 4,445 miles per year, which is notably below the typical mileage accumulation for a vehicle of this age. The annual MOT cadence shows regular biennial testing without extended gaps, indicating the car has remained on the road consistently rather than being laid up for prolonged periods, which would otherwise raise concerns about stale brake fluid, deteriorated tyres, or seized brake calipers. However, the relatively low annual mileage does mean that certain wear-related items may not have been exercised heavily, and consumable components such as tyres, brake discs, and the 12-volt battery could show age-related degradation disproportionate to the mileage reading. Given the absence of any recorded advisories, there are no specific components with a documented repair history to investigate further, but a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection and test drive. Pay particular attention to the condition of the front and rear brake discs and pads, as low-mileage vehicles can suffer from disc corrosion due to infrequent heavy braking, leading to judder or vibration through the brake pedal when stopping from speed. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount bearings that have deteriorated with age rather than mileage. Inspect the underbody and wheel arches for any surface corrosion, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, and verify that the timing chain or cam belt replacement interval has been observed according to Volkswagen's service schedule. During the test drive, check for any hesitation, misfire, or rough idle from the engine, which could point to coil pack or ignition component failure common on higher-mileage Tiguans, and confirm that the DSG or manual gearbox, depending on specification, selects cleanly without jerking or clutch slip. The electronic parking brake should apply and release smoothly without warning lights remaining on the dashboard, and the four-wheel-drive system, if fitted, should not exhibit any binding or drivetrain shunt when turning at low speed. Verify that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after ignition and that there are no stored fault codes accessible via diagnostic read-out, particularly relating to the emissions control system, AdBlue system if a later diesel variant, or any infotainment glitches known to affect this generation.