2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · NL18 ACV

The most recent MOT on 29 January 2026 passed at 82 346 miles with only a light misting of oil on the nearside front shock absorber (5.3.2(b)). The same day a concurrent failure recorded thin rear brake pads, significantly worn rear brake discs and a failed rear brake condition (1.1.13(a)(ii) and 1.1.14(a)(i)). The vehicle was retested and cleared, but the pattern shows a clear worsening trend: clean records in 2021‑2023 gave way to brake‑disc advisories in 2024‑2025 and now a suspension oil mist in 2026, indicating deteriorating component health. Mileage accumulation over the vehicle’s eight‑year life totals 82 346 miles, averaging roughly 10 300 miles per year—a typical figure for its age. Annual MOT intervals reveal steady progression: 43 410 miles in Jan 2022, 50 063 miles in Jan 2023 (≈6.7 k mi), a jump to 66 162 miles in Feb 2024 (≈16 k mi), then ~8 k mi increments to 74 260 miles in Jan 2025 and 82 346 miles in Jan 2026. The latest test falls six months before the present date, comfortably within the standard 12‑month validity window. A buyer should inspect the rear brake system closely; the pads were flagged as thin in 2026 and the discs showed significant wear, pitting and scoring in 2024‑2025. Measuring pad thickness and examining disc surfaces for scoring or warping will reveal remaining service life. The nearside front shock absorber’s oil mist suggests a possible seal leak; a compression test and visual check for oil staining are essential. The earlier fitted under‑tray and engine cover (recorded in Jan 2022) may conceal chassis corrosion, so a thorough look for rust or damage around the chassis rails is advisable. Finally, the pattern of brake‑disc wear hints at possible uneven braking loads or component fatigue, warranting a close inspection of the brake‑line routing and caliper condition.