2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · LR12 ACE

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 21 February 2026 was completed with a PASS and no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator for any prospective purchaser. Reviewing the broader history, the 2025 test carried three advisories relating to rear coil spring corrosion, low rear tyre tread, and a deteriorating number plate, while the 2024 test flagged front brake pad wear, low front tyre tread, and rear brake disc corrosion. Although each test has resulted in a pass, the pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear-related advisories across braking, suspension, and tyres over the three-year MOT cycle, suggesting a vehicle that is now entering a phase where several consumable items will soon require replacement. The absence of any advisories on the latest pass indicates the previously flagged items were either addressed or have not yet deteriorated to the point of failure, but a buyer should remain mindful of the recurring themes in earlier tests. With 48,128 miles recorded over approximately five years, this Tiguan averages around 9,626 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this age and does not raise immediate concerns regarding excessive use or prolonged standing. There are no obvious extended gaps in the mileage progression that would suggest long periods of inactivity, which is beneficial because low-use vehicles often suffer from brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, and deteriorating tyres due to age rather than wear. The consistent annual mileage implies the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to keep mechanical components lubricated and exercised, although the recorded figures do not provide insight into driving conditions such as motorway versus urban use, towing, or rough road exposure, all of which influence wear rates on suspension, clutch, and drivetrain components. Given the advisory items raised in 2025 and 2024, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension coil springs noted as corroding, as coil spring corrosion is a progressive condition that can eventually lead to fracture and a sudden loss of ride height or suspension noise. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, and visually inspect the springs for surface rust, scaling, or any signs of cracking, particularly at the lower coils where stress is highest. The rear brake disc corrosion noted in 2024 is also worth monitoring; lightly corroded discs typically self-clean through normal use, but if the vehicle has stood for extended periods, the corrosion can become pitted, leading to brake shudder, vibration under heavy braking, or juddering when coming to a stop. Check for any binding or uneven pulling during low-speed braking and inspect the discs for lipping or a rough braking face. The brake pad and tyre advisories from 2024 and 2025 indicate that consumable replacement has been a recurring theme, and with the latest pass showing no advisories, it is unclear whether replacement items were fitted or whether the components were simply within tolerance at the time of test. Inspect the front brake pad material thickness through the caliper window and examine all four tyres for remaining tread depth, even wear patterns, and any signs of age-related sidewall cracking or perishing, particularly given the 235/50/19 profile which uses relatively soft sidewall rubber that can deteriorate with age regardless of mileage. The rear number plate deterioration flagged in 2025 is a minor cosmetic issue but worth noting for completeness. Beyond the advisory history, a five-year-old Volkswagen of this mileage warrants standard age-related checks including verification of the full service book stamp history to confirm timely oil and filter changes, inspection of the 12-volt battery for holding charge and terminal condition, and confirmation that brake fluid and coolant have been replaced at manufacturer-recommended intervals, as both fluids degrade over time through moisture absorption and chemical breakdown rather than purely through use.