2010 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · YY10 UCV

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile that suggests a trend of worsening mechanical neglect and deferred repairs. While it passed its most recent test in May 2024 at 146,098 miles, this followed a significant failure just two weeks prior that revealed multiple safety defects. The presence of free play in the steering box and a severely deteriorated ball joint dust cover indicates that critical steering components are reaching the end of their functional life. The record shows the owner only addresses faults when an MOT failure occurs rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 146,098 miles over 16 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,130 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for its age. However, there is a notable gap in testing history between November 2022 and April 2024, during which the car covered over 14,000 miles without a formal inspection. The failure in April 2024 was particularly alarming, revealing missing road wheel fixings and tyres with exposed cords, suggesting that basic safety-critical checks of wheels and tyres were ignored during this high-mileage interval period. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear suspension and chassis integrity. The 2024 test flagged corrosion on the suspension mounting areas and a corroded nearside coil spring; while not considered excessive at the time, these issues typically accelerate on a vehicle of this age. The detected free play in the steering box is a significant mechanical concern that requires professional verification to determine the repair cost. Given the history of inoperative engine lights and SRS warning lamps in 2022, a diagnostic scan is also necessary to ensure all electronic faults were properly rectified and not merely cleared to pass the test.