2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line TSI S-A 1.5L Petrol · TM68 TON

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 26 January 2026, resulted in a PASS with only a single advisory noting the presence of undertrays and sill covers installed on the vehicle. This advisory is essentially informational and relates to component concealment during inspection rather than a mechanical defect, indicating that the tester was unable to fully examine certain structural and underbody areas. The prior test of 21 January 2025 also passed cleanly with no advisories recorded at all. The 2024 test, however, carried an advisory concerning rear brake pads wearing thin, flagged under section 1.1.13 (a) (ii) of the inspection manual. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and consistent. The only meaningful wear-related advisory was logged at the 2024 test and did not recur as an advisory in subsequent years, which suggests the rear pads were either replaced or remain serviceable above the minimum legal threshold. There is no evidence of escalating defects, recurring advisories, or any failed items across the recorded history. With approximately 51,618 miles recorded over five years, this Tiguan is averaging around 10,324 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a privately owned family SUV of this class. This mileage rate suggests regular but not excessive use, meaning the vehicle has likely been driven consistently rather than left standing for prolonged periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity. Engines, transmissions, and suspension components benefit from regular thermal cycling and exercise. That said, a five-year-old Volkswagen with this mileage will have seen meaningful wear on consumable items including brake pads, brake discs, tyres, drive belts, and coolant hoses. The wear pattern should be largely linear rather than accelerated, but a physical inspection remains warranted to confirm the state of these items. Given the rear brake pad advisory from 2024, the prospective buyer should inspect the rear brake pads and discs thoroughly. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or scraping from the rear axle, and pay attention to any vibration through the brake pedal or shudder under firm braking, which would indicate disc wear. Check visually that the rear disc surfaces are free from excessive lipping or scoring, as discs may have required machining or replacement if pads were left to wear excessively. With the vehicle now over five years old regardless of mileage, particular attention should be given to age-related degradation. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries in this age bracket commonly fail without warning, especially if the vehicle has seen any short-trip usage. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid (where applicable to the DSG automatic gearbox) should have been changed according to Volkswagen's time-based service schedule rather than purely mileage intervals. Verification of full service history stamps in the service book and confirmation that timing belt or chain service intervals have been observed are strongly recommended. Additionally, although no structural advisories have been recorded, a five-year-old vehicle warrants a careful inspection of the underbody, wheel arches, and suspension components. The advisory noting undertrays and sill covers fitted at the 2026 test means that the structural condition beneath these panels could not be fully assessed; a buyer should request removal of these items or arrange a separate underbody inspection to confirm there is no corrosion, fluid leakage, or damage to suspension arms, bushes, or anti-roll bar links. Listen on the test drive for any clonking or knocking from the front or rear suspension over bumps, which would suggest worn bushes, top mounts, or shock absorber issues. Check that all drive mode and gearbox selections operate smoothly, particularly given the DSG automated manual transmission used in this TSI model, which can suffer from mechatronic or clutch wear at higher mileages. Confirm the operation of all electronic systems including the infotainment unit, parking sensors, reversing camera, and driver assistance features, as repair costs on these can be substantial. Finally, verify the full Volkswagen main dealer or specialist service history and check that the digital service schedule reflects the mileage accurately.