2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · LL68 KFX

A pattern of recurring tyre wear, thinning rear brake pads, and the early signs of front suspension leakage have emerged across the MOT history of this 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, painting a picture of a vehicle whose consumables and damping components are entering a familiar mid-life wear phase. The most recent test on 31 October 2025 was a pass, but it was not without note: both rear tyres were flagged for cracking or perishing, the rear brake pads were recorded as wearing thin, and the nearside front shock absorber exhibited light oil misting. Earlier tests have been similarly advisory-heavy, with front tyre issues appearing in 2024 (offside front worn close to the legal limit and on the edge) and 2022 (a nearside front cut), while the 2021 and 2023 tests passed with no recorded defects at all. The trend suggests the vehicle is mechanically roadworthy at present, but the accumulating advisories around tyres, braking friction material, and front suspension oil seepage indicate components that are approaching, or have reached, the threshold for replacement. With 76,113 miles recorded over roughly eight years, the Tiguan has covered approximately 9,514 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical range for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record to suggest long periods off the road, and the annual mileage appears broadly consistent rather than exhibiting sudden spikes or unusual lulls. At this rate of accumulation, the braking system, suspension bushes, and drivetrain components will have experienced a steady, moderate level of working use rather than the elevated wear associated with very high mileage, or the rubber degradation and fluid stagnation more commonly seen on low-mileage or infrequently driven vehicles. The recorded mileage provides reassurance that mechanical components have been regularly exercised, though it also confirms that wear-item replacement intervals are now actively due. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the three areas repeatedly flagged in the advisories. The light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber recorded in 2025 warrants particular scrutiny: on the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and pay attention to whether the vehicle exhibits excessive body roll through corners or a pronounced nose-dive under braking, both of which can indicate that the damper seal failure is progressing. Likewise, examine the rear brake pads reported as wearing thin by inspecting the visible pad material through the wheel spokes and feeling for any lack of initial bite or excessive travel in the brake pedal, which would confirm the pads have worn further since October 2025. The recording of both rear tyres as damaged or perishing means new rubber will almost certainly be required at point of purchase, and any uneven or rapid shoulder wear on the front tyres should also be checked carefully, as the 2024 advisory noted edge wear on the offside front which can point to tracking or suspension geometry issues. Beyond the directly flagged items, it would be prudent to carry out a general but targeted check of the undercarriage, as the Tiguan platform can be susceptible to corrosion on rear suspension components and around the subframe mounting points, even where no such defects have yet been recorded. Listen for any knocking from the rear axle over speed humps or rough tarmac, which on this model can point to worn trailing arm or link arm bushes. With a recorded mileage in the mid-seventies and advisories clustering around the suspension, braking, and tyre condition, the vehicle is fundamentally roadworthy but should be regarded as one requiring near-term investment in consumables and a careful assessment of the front damper condition before committing to purchase.