2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance TSI S-A 1.5L Petrol · HJ21 VFX

The vehicle holds a current MOT pass certificate dated 29 May 2026 at 69,737 miles, but the same test session also produced a failure for rear brake pads below 1.5 mm, indicating the car was presented in poor condition and only passed after remedial work. The overall maintenance trend is mixed. Tyre condition has been a persistent advisory theme across multiple tests, and while the most recent pass confirms the car met the legal standard on the day, the pattern of recurring tyre perishing and uneven wear suggests ongoing neglect of basic consumable upkeep rather than a one-off event. At roughly five years old with 69,737 miles recorded, this Tiguan has covered approximately 13,947 miles per year, which is notably high for a modern family SUV. The MOT record shows a jump from 36,299 miles in March 2024 to 56,116 miles in June 2025, an increase of nearly 20,000 miles in just over twelve months, followed by a further 13,621 miles to the May 2026 test. This sustained high annual mileage places accelerated wear on suspension bushes, brake discs, and drivetrain components, and the record reflects that reality with repeated advisories on front lower suspension arm rear bushes, worn brake discs, and shock absorber oil misting flagged as far back as June 2025. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering geometry. The June 2025 test at 56,116 miles flagged worn rear bushes on both front lower suspension arms and light oil misting from both front shock absorbers. These items were not listed as failures, meaning they had not yet deteriorated to the point of rejection, but worn bushes and weeping dampers on a car doing high motorway miles are likely to worsen. Have a technician check for play in the front suspension and assess whether the dampers require replacement in the near term. The braking system also warrants a thorough inspection. The May 2026 failure for rear pads under 1.5 mm, combined with advisories on worn and pitted front and rear brake discs in 2025 and 2024, points to a car that has been driven hard or serviced infrequently. Check the condition of the rear calipers for binding, as uneven pad wear and disc scoring can indicate a sticking slide pin or seized guide. The recurring tyre advisories, including cracking, perishing, and edge wear on both axles, further suggest possible tracking issues or prolonged under-inflation. A four-wheel alignment check and close inspection of the inner sidewalls on all four tyres are advisable before purchase.