Used Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale on Mobeo

The Volkswagen Tiguan remains one of the most popular compact SUVs on the UK used market. Whether you're after a family hauler or a practical second car, the Tiguan delivers reliable performance, decent fuel economy, and the reassurance of VW's engineering reputation. On Mobeo, you'll find hundreds of Tiguans priced from under £8,000 to over £25,000, depending on age and specification.

This guide covers what you need to know before buying a used Tiguan: current market prices, which trim levels offer the best value, running costs, and the specific checks to make when viewing a car in person.

Used Volkswagen Tiguan Prices in 2024-2025

Market prices for used Tiguans vary significantly based on age, mileage, and trim level. Here's what you can expect to pay across the current used market:

• 2020-2021 models: £14,500 to £18,500
• 2018-2019 models: £11,000 to £15,000
• 2016-2017 models: £8,500 to £12,000
• 2014-2015 models: £6,500 to £9,500
• Pre-2013 models: £4,000 to £7,000

Prices shift based on engine type, with petrol variants typically cheaper than diesel equivalents. A 2019 Tiguan with 60,000 miles in SE form averages around £13,200. A 2017 example with similar mileage sits closer to £10,800. Higher-spec R-Line and Elegance trims command premiums of £1,500 to £3,000 over base S models.

Best Trim Levels and Value Picks

The Tiguan lineup includes S, SE, SEL, R-Line, and Elegance trims. Not all are equally easy to find or worth the extra cost.

• S trim: Entry-level, basic equipment. Rare on the secondhand market and often not worth seeking out given limited savings versus SE.
• SE trim: The sweet spot for used buyers. Includes air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment, electric windows, and cruise control. Widely available between £10,000 and £15,000 depending on year.
• SEL trim: Adds leather upholstery, powered tailgate, and parking sensors. Premium of £1,500 to £2,500 over SE. Worth considering if you use the car daily and value comfort.
• R-Line trim: Sports styling, upgraded suspension, and sharper handling. Prices run £2,000 to £4,000 above SE equivalents. Best for buyers who prefer a firmer ride and want visual presence.
• Elegance trim: Combines comfort features with premium touches. Typically the costliest, but often includes better upholstery and refined spec levels worth the premium if available within your budget.

For pure value, a 2019 SE petrol model with 50,000 miles offers the best balance of running costs, reliability, and warranty potential if you buy from a dealer. Budget £13,500 for this specification.

What to Check When Buying a Used Tiguan

Used Tiguans are generally robust, but several specific areas need careful inspection to avoid costly repairs after purchase.

• Service history: Verify a full or near-complete service history from VW or a trusted independent garage. The Tiguan requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000 miles. A car with sporadic services suggests poor owner care.
• Timing chain noise: Start the engine and listen for a rattle on cold start. Some 2009-2017 models developed timing chain wear, typically after 80,000 miles. A new timing chain costs £1,200 to £1,800.
• DSG gearbox shudder: Manual and DSG automatics exist. DSG units, particularly 2014-2016 examples, can shudder during gear changes if servicing has been neglected. Ask the seller for transmission fluid service records.
• Suspension wear: Bounce each corner with your hand. The suspension should settle quickly. Excessive bouncing suggests worn springs or dampers. Front suspension overhaul costs £800 to £1,400 per side including labour.
• Moisture in headlights: Check inside the headlight lenses for condensation or fogging. Modern Tiguans often suffer from moisture ingress, a £400 to £600 repair per headlight unit.
• Brake disc and pad condition: Request details of recent brake work. Tiguans wear brakes hard in urban driving. Budget £350 to £500 for a full brake fluid and pad service if needed.
• Check the interior trim: Examine door panels, dashboard, and seats for cracks or excessive wear. Tiguan interiors are durable, but high-mileage cars show wear around armrests and steering wheel.

Always request a pre-purchase inspection from a VW-specialist garage if buying privately. Expect to pay £150 to £250 for a thorough diagnostic check. This investment protects you from hidden faults.

Running Costs and Fuel Economy

Running costs vary by engine choice, but the Tiguan is reasonably economical for its class and size.

• Fuel economy: Petrol models (2.0 TSI 140hp) achieve 40 to 45mpg combined in real-world driving. Diesel variants (2.0 TDI 140hp or 150hp) return 45 to 52mpg. Larger petrol units or higher-spec engines drop efficiency to 35 to 40mpg.
• Fuel costs: At current UK prices (around 128p per litre for petrol and 133p per litre for diesel), a petrol Tiguan with average 44mpg costs roughly 11p per mile. A diesel equivalent at 49mpg costs 9p per mile.
• Insurance: Group 16 to 19 ratings apply depending on engine and trim. Annual quotes for a 30-year-old driver with three years no-claims discount range from £520 to £850 fully comprehensive.
• Road tax: VW Tiguan models registered before 1 April 2017 pay the standard rate of £165 annually. Models from April 2017 onwards pay £150 per year.
• Servicing and maintenance: Oil and filter changes cost £100 to £150 at independent garages. Full major services (including spark plugs and air filters) run £250 to £400. Tyre replacement costs £400 to £600 for a full set of mid-range options.
• Depreciation: Expect a well-maintained Tiguan to hold 60 to 70 percent of its current value over the next three years, depending on mileage and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable year for a used Volkswagen Tiguan?

2016-2019 models represent the best reliability period. The first generation (2009-2015) experienced timing chain and DSG gearbox issues on higher-mileage examples. Second generation models from 2016 onwards had these concerns largely resolved. Avoid early 2009 examples if possible unless extensively serviced.

Should I buy a petrol or diesel Tiguan?

Diesel offers better fuel economy and lower pence-per-mile costs if you drive over 12,000 miles per year. Petrol models are cheaper to buy and easier to service independently. For mixed-use driving under 15,000 miles annually, petrol is the practical choice. Diesel suits high-mileage users who recoup the fuel savings.

How much does it cost to insure a used Tiguan?

Insurance groups range from 16 to 19. A 30-year-old driver with three years no-claims pays £520 to £850 fully comprehensive. Younger drivers (under 25) can expect £1,200 to £1,800. The R-Line trim sits in a higher group than SE models, adding roughly £80 to £120 annually.

Are used Tiguan gearboxes reliable?

Manual gearboxes in Tiguans are robust. DSG automatics from 2014-2016 occasionally develop shudder during gear changes if transmission fluid services have been skipped. Verify regular DSG fluid changes (every 40,000 miles) in service records. Post-2016 models with updated DSG units are far more reliable.

What is the average mileage for a used Tiguan?

A well-maintained 2018 Tiguan typically shows 45,000 to 65,000 miles. 2016 models average 55,000 to 75,000 miles. Mileage below 50,000 on a 2017 model is excellent; above 80,000 suggests high commercial or taxi use and warrants extra scrutiny during inspection.