2014 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · GV14 WVC

A largely clean MOT history, punctuated only by a tyre‑wear advisory on the off‑side front wheel in June 2026 and a light oil mist on the near‑side rear shock absorber in June 2025, indicates the Tiguan has remained roadworthy but is beginning to show the wear expected of a vehicle of its age. The absence of any failures over the past five years, together with a steady pattern of passing results, suggests no major structural or safety‑critical defects have emerged, though the two advisories highlight components that merit close attention before purchase. At 80,804 miles recorded for a 2014 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6,700 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a twelve‑year‑old family SUV. The MOT records show annual testing with no gaps, confirming consistent mileage reporting. This moderate accumulation points to a balanced level of wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension, rather than the accelerated degradation associated with high‑mileage or heavily abused vehicles. When inspecting the tyres, verify that the off‑side front tyre still meets the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm and that the tread pattern is even across the width. Feel for any sidewall bulges, cuts or exposed ply, and listen for a humming or vibration at higher speeds that could indicate uneven wear or a developing separation. If the tread is approaching the legal limit, budgeting for a replacement set is prudent, as the advisory signals the tyre is already close to the minimum acceptable condition. The oil mist noted on the near‑side rear shock absorber warrants a thorough check of the rear suspension. On a test drive, listen for any thumping or knocking over bumps, and feel for excessive bounce or a soft, mushy rear end that could betray deteriorating damping. Visually inspect the shock for any oil stains on the surrounding suspension components and confirm that the mounting points and bushings are free from corrosion or excessive play. Should any of these symptoms be present, a professional suspension inspection and likely shock replacement would be advisable to maintain ride quality and handling stability.