2013 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · FN13 AAU

The most recent MOT on 28 October 2025 was passed, with only a minor fault (off‑side registration plate lamp inoperative) and an advisory that the off‑side front service brake is binding, though not excessively. Over the preceding four years the vehicle has moved from a failure in October 2022 (caused by a fractured off‑side rear coil spring and multiple brake and oil‑leak advisories) to a series of passes that still carry a number of advisories but no major failures. This pattern indicates that the most serious structural defect has been addressed and that the overall maintenance trajectory is stabilising, albeit with several wear items that remain on the cusp of replacement. At 150,266 miles on a 2013 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 11,500 miles per year, which is typical for a family SUV of this age. The mileage does not suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is consistent with the recorded usage. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would point to a short‑term high‑stress period, but the cumulative distance does mean that many wear‑related items will be approaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the front brake system and the rear suspension. The advisory about front‑brake binding may manifest as a slightly soft or spongy pedal on the off‑side, uneven braking feel, or a faint pulsing when applying the brakes under load. Inspect the brake caliper pistons for corrosion, check the brake pads and discs for thickness (the records show they have been worn and pitted for several years) and verify whether the front brake hose has been replaced, as the ferrule corrosion noted in 2022 can lead to fluid leakage. The rear coil spring that fractured in 2022 should have been replaced; confirm the part number and look for any signs of new‑spring mounting hardware, and examine the rear suspension arms and bushings for the corrosion noted in earlier advisories. Any clunking, excessive bounce or uneven rear ride height during a test drive would indicate lingering suspension issues. Given the vehicle’s age, also examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, perishing or dry‑rot, especially on the front tyres that have been flagged as close to the legal tread limit in multiple years. Verify that the tyre wear is even across the width and that the tyre pressures hold steady. Check the 12‑volt battery for cranking performance and inspect the terminals for corrosion, as a battery of this vintage may be nearing the end of its useful life. Look for any fresh oil around the rear differential housing to confirm that the previously reported leak has been remedied, and ask for service records confirming recent changes to the brake fluid, coolant and timing‑chain or belt (depending on the engine). A thorough visual inspection of the under‑body for rust, especially around the suspension mounting points, combined with a short road test listening for any squeaks, rattles or brake shudder, will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.