2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4L Petrol · LM08 SKD

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s most recent MOT test on 22 May 2026 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a troubling pattern of deferred maintenance over the past three years. The vehicle failed its May 2025 test at 84,838 miles due to a cascade of issues—including severely deteriorated CV joint boots, worn brake pads, pitted brake discs, and compromised suspension bushes and ball joints—before passing the retest just two days later. While the latest pass on 22 May 2026 at 91,172 miles shows no defects, the history suggests a trend of neglect rather than improvement. Recurring advisories for the same CV boot deterioration (first noted in May 2023) and suspension wear indicate these components have likely deteriorated further since the last test, particularly given the 6,314 miles accumulated between passes in 2025. The recorded mileage of 91,172 miles over 18 years equates to approximately 5,065 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and class. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity rather than consistent light use. The largest mileage gap occurs between the May 2024 (80,009 miles) and May 2025 (84,838 miles) tests, where 4,829 miles were covered in just over a year—an unusually rapid accumulation for a vehicle with such persistent mechanical issues. The 2023 to 2024 period also shows only 7,081 miles logged in a year, reinforcing the pattern of sporadic movement rather than regular driving. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and drivetrain, as the CV joint boots and suspension bushes have been flagged repeatedly since at least May 2023. The near-constant advisories for deteriorated boots—particularly the near-side front—suggest fluid leakage and potential contamination of the joint, which could lead to catastrophic failure. Similarly, the suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar ball joints, noted as worn in multiple tests, may now exhibit excessive play or cracking, compromising handling and stability. Brake components, while not currently failing, show significant wear: the rear pads were under 1.5mm thick in May 2025, and the discs were pitted, indicating uneven wear that could escalate into binding or uneven braking. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe should also be checked, as this vehicle’s age increases the risk of structural weakening. Finally, the oil leak advisory from May 2023 warrants verification—persistent leaks could indicate worn seals or a failing sump.