2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · KR56 AFU

The 2022‑03‑22 MOT at 209,451 miles recorded a pass with no defects, showing that the vehicle currently satisfies the DVSA roadworthiness criteria. Nevertheless, the immediate preceding test on 2022‑03‑21 at the same mileage flagged a near‑side rear coil spring fracture 5.3.1 b i and earlier records at 198,580 miles repeatedly noted suspension wear, steering rack free play, and deteriorated drive‑shaft constant‑velocity boots, indicating a persistent rather than resolved mechanical trend. Mileage accumulation of roughly 10,500 miles per year is typical for a 20‑year‑old Passat, yet the record shows uneven usage: a rise of 11,437 miles between the 2019‑02‑27 test (184,611 miles) and the 2020‑03‑16 test (196,048 miles) points to intensive operation during that interval, while the consecutive 2021 tests at 198,580 miles suggest that the vehicle was repaired and retested shortly thereafter, leaving no extended periods of inactivity evident. A buyer should therefore examine the rear coil spring and suspension bushes for cracks or excessive wear, verify the condition of the rear shock absorbers and steering rack free play, and inspect both drive‑shaft constant‑velocity boots for tears or contamination. Additional focus on the rear brake discs and pads, tyre tread depth, structural rust on the under‑tray or rear brake assemblies, and the integrity of the exhaust and gearbox, given the history of a snapped silencer, corrosion, and a gearbox hole caused by an insecure drive‑shaft retaining clip, will reveal whether the recorded repairs have addressed underlying deficiencies.