2010 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · LB10 PWN

The most recent MOT test on 17 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but the presence of multiple advisories—including worn front tyre outer edges, a worn nearside front lower suspension arm bush, and worn rear trailing arm bushes—indicates a pattern of emerging wear in the suspension and tyre components. The history shows a major failure in February 2025 due to an excessively worn offside front suspension arm bush, which was subsequently addressed, but the recurrence of suspension-related advisories in 2026 suggests these components are nearing the end of their service life. Shock absorber advisories for light oil misting have appeared intermittently since 2022, pointing to gradual deterioration of the dampers. Overall, the trend is one of increasing wear rather than improvement, with suspension and tyre issues requiring close attention. At 132,012 miles over 16 years, the Tiguan has covered an average of around 8,250 miles annually, which is a moderate and consistent usage rate for a vehicle of this age. This mileage suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive wear from high annual usage, nor has it suffered from prolonged periods of inactivity that could lead to sealing degradation or corrosion from standing. However, the accumulated mileage does mean that high-wear items such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and tyres are likely to require replacement in the near term, particularly given the advisories already noted. Prospective buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front and rear suspension components, paying particular attention to the lower control arm bushes and trailing arm bushes, as these are showing signs of wear. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes or ball joints, and assess the ride quality for excessive bouncing or poor damping, which may signal failing shock absorbers. The front tyres’ outer edge wear suggests potential alignment or camber issues, so check for uneven tyre wear and ensure a four-wheel alignment is carried out if new tyres are fitted. Additionally, inspect the condition of the shock absorber bodies for oil leaks beyond light misting, as this would confirm the need for replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, also examine the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur regardless of tread depth, and test the 12V battery health, as original units often degrade after a decade. Verify the service history to confirm that time-based fluids, such as brake fluid and coolant, have been replaced, as these degrade with age. Finally, check for signs of corrosion on brake discs, caliper slide pins, and underseal, as rust buildup can lead to binding brakes or structural concerns if left unaddressed. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician is strongly advised to assess the full extent of the suspension and drivetrain wear.