2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · LS17 BFX

The most recent MOT on 16 December 2025 was passed, with three advisories recorded – a deteriorating rear registration plate, a rear child‑seat that obstructed full inspection of the adult belt and, most notably, a near‑limit tread depth on the nearside front tyre. Earlier MOTs in December 2024 and December 2023 also passed, the former noting the same rear‑plate deterioration and the tyre wear advisory, while the 2022 test was clean. The pattern shows a generally stable maintenance record with only minor, non‑failing issues emerging, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in reasonable order but that tyre wear and the plate condition merit attention. At 89,938 miles the Tiguan has averaged roughly 10,000 miles per year since its 2017 registration, which is typical for a family SUV of this age. The mileage progression is smooth, with no large gaps that would imply prolonged periods of inactivity, so wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to the recorded use rather than accelerated by long‑term storage. Prospective buyers should give the tyres immediate scrutiny. The advisory on the nearside front tyre indicates tread depth is close to the legal 1.6 mm limit; inspect both tread depth and sidewall condition for cracking, bulging or uneven wear that could point to mis‑aligned suspension or worn camber/caster bushes. Replace any tyre that fails the 1.6 mm threshold and consider a full set if the other tyres show significant age‑related perishing. The rear registration plate should be examined for rust or fading that could affect readability; replace it promptly to avoid future MOT failures. Ensure the child seat is removed before a full belt inspection, checking that the adult seat‑belt retractors operate smoothly and that the anchor points are undamaged. Given the vehicle is nine years old, a thorough age‑related check is advisable. Test the 12 V battery under load and verify its voltage; a weak charge may indicate impending failure, especially if the car has spent periods idle. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing and measure pad thickness; any shudder or pulsation under braking could signal warped discs or worn pads. Inspect suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for play, cracked rubber or leaking fluid, listening for clunks over bumps during a test drive. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes, and consider a full fluid flush (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil) if the last documented service exceeds 12 months, as fluid degradation can occur with calendar age even when mileage is moderate.