2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4L Petrol · FL67 AAJ

The latest MOT test in November 2025 passed with no defects recorded, indicating the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards at that time. However, the preceding history shows a pattern of tyre-related advisories and a failure in November 2024 due to an offside rear tyre below the legal tread depth, which was rectified before the retest. The recurrence of front and rear tyre wear advisories in 2023 and 2024 suggests a trend of premature or uneven tyre degradation, possibly linked to alignment, suspension, or driving habits. While the 2025 pass is encouraging, the persistent tyre issues warrant closer scrutiny to determine if underlying mechanical factors remain unaddressed. At 73,839 miles over nine years, the annual mileage averages around 8,200 miles, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and does not suggest excessive or unusually low usage. This moderate mileage implies wear on consumables such as brakes, suspension bushes, and drivetrain components should be proportional to age and distance, though standing periods—if any—could introduce additional concerns like brake caliper binding, fluid degradation, or tyre sidewall perishing. The lack of extreme mileage accumulation reduces the likelihood of severe mechanical fatigue but does not eliminate the need for age-related checks. The repeated tyre wear advisories, particularly the edge wear on front tyres and the 2024 failure for the offside rear tyre, strongly suggest inspecting the wheel alignment, tracking, and suspension geometry. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks over rough surfaces, which may indicate worn suspension bushes, ball joints, or shock absorbers, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns. The 2023 advisories for rear tyre cracking or perishing highlight the need to examine all tyre sidewalls for age-related degradation, even if tread depth is currently adequate. Additionally, verify the condition of the rear reflectors, as minor defects were noted in 2024 and 2025, and ensure child seats are removed to allow full inspection of the rear seatbelts, which were previously obscured. Given the vehicle’s age, also assess the 12V battery health, as original units often degrade after five to seven years, and check for corrosion on brake discs or calipers, which can occur if the vehicle has stood unused for extended periods. Time-based fluid servicing, including brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable, should be verified against the service history. Finally, inspect for structural corrosion, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and underseal, as this is a common concern for vehicles of this era, even with moderate mileage.