2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · GY12 FDG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach rather than proactive care. While the most recent test on 24 July 2026 at 100,170 miles passed, it followed an immediate failure for an offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. This follows a pattern of failures in July 2025 where multiple anti-roll bar ball joints, windscreen wipers, and eyesight were flagged. The history suggests the owner only addresses mechanical components once they fail an inspection or reach a critical state. At 100,170 miles over 14 years, the Tiguan has averaged approximately 7,155 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for its age. The record shows a period of very low mileage between 2015 and 2018, where the vehicle remained largely stationary. However, mileage accumulation accelerated significantly after 2020, with nearly 43,000 miles covered in the last six years. This increase in use correlates with the rising frequency of defects related to wear and tear on suspension and braking components. A buyer must perform a thorough inspection of the front suspension, specifically the anti-roll bar links and arm bushes. The record shows recurring issues with deteriorated dust covers and worn bushes dating back to 2019 and 2025, which can result in knocks and poor handling. The braking system has also shown a history of neglect, with thin pads flagged in both 2020 and 2023. You should check for uneven pad wear or scored discs and ensure the rear calipers are not binding. Tyre maintenance is a consistent weakness for this vehicle, with multiple tyres reaching the legal limit or showing exposed cords in almost every test since 2020. The 2023 failure for a tyre with exposed cords indicates that safety concerns were previously overlooked. Given the age of the vehicle, also inspect the structural integrity of the chassis for corrosion, although the MOT history focuses primarily on consumable mechanical failures rather than structural advisories.