2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Petrol · LL09 WEF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 March 2026, was a pass but returned several advisories concerning front tyre tread depth, rear brake‑pad wear and a front oil leak. Over the preceding five years the vehicle has moved from a major failure in 2021 (lamp and anti‑roll‑bar dust‑cover faults) to a clean record in 2023, and now to a pass with only non‑critical advisories. This trajectory indicates that the major electrical and suspension‑dust‑cover issues have been addressed and that the vehicle’s overall maintenance condition is now stable, although the tyre and brake wear signals that consumables are approaching the end of their service life. At 82 519 mi the Tiguan averages roughly 4 850 mi per annum, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi expected for a vehicle of its class. Such low annual mileage often reflects periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which reduces mechanical wear on drivetrain components but accentuates age‑related degradation. The modest mileage means that wear on the engine, transmission and suspension bushes is likely to be less severe than on a high‑mileage counterpart, yet the vehicle’s age (17 years) makes it susceptible to rubber perishing, corrosion of metal parts and the gradual loss of fluid efficacy. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre and braking system. The near‑side front inner tyre and off‑side front inner tyre are reported as worn close to the legal limit, and the off‑side front tyre carries a cut that, while not yet through the ply, could develop into a puncture under load. The off‑side rear tyre shows early signs of cracking or perishing, and the rear tyres have been flagged for slight damage on several occasions. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread delamination and uneven wear that might indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes; a tyre that feels soft or shows feather‑edge wear should be replaced immediately. The rear brake pads are described as thin; examine the pad thickness and the condition of the discs for scoring or rust, and listen for any shudder or pulsation under braking, which would suggest that the discs may need resurfacing or replacement. Beyond the immediate consumables, the vehicle’s age warrants a thorough check of age‑related items. Verify that the front oil leak is minor and not progressing by looking for fresh oil spots under the engine bay and confirming that the oil level remains stable between changes. Test all exterior lamps, especially the rear position lamp that has failed on several occasions, to ensure proper illumination and wiring integrity. Examine the anti‑roll‑bar joints and dust‑covers for any signs of corrosion or excessive play, as these were previously flagged as major defects. Inspect the chassis for rust, particularly around the wheel arches and under‑body, and assess the condition of the 12 V battery, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid, all of which can deteriorate with time even when the vehicle is lightly used. A full service history, recent oil and filter change, and confirmation that timing‑belt or chain intervals have been observed will provide additional confidence in the vehicle’s long‑term reliability.