2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · MD65 AAZ

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 6 November 2025, resulted in a pass, though two advisories were issued regarding the offside and nearside front tyres, both recorded with 3mm of tread remaining and noted as worn on edge. This follows a fully clean pass in November 2024, a clean pass in November 2023, and another clean pass in November 2022 aside from three tyre-related advisories affecting the offside rear and both front tyres. A clean pass was also recorded in November 2021. The maintenance trajectory appears broadly consistent and stable, as no structural, braking, suspension, or emissions failures have been recorded across the entire five-year MOT history. The recurring nature of the tyre wear advisories, particularly across multiple positions over time, suggests a pattern worth investigating rather than a one-off issue, as it may point to an underlying alignment, geometry, or suspension component concern that has yet to escalate into a formal failure. With a recorded mileage of 75,205 miles over approximately 11 years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,837 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and broadly in line with expectations for a privately owned diesel or petrol family saloon of this type. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears gradual and consistent, with no obvious large gaps that would suggest extended periods of standing or unusually rapid accumulation that might indicate heavy commercial or motorway use. Typical mileage at this level means that routine service items such as cambelt or timing chain inspection, brake discs and pads, clutch wear (if manual), and suspension components have had reasonable working life but are now within the territory where original-equipment parts may be approaching the end of their intended service life, particularly on a Volkswagen Passat of this generation. Given the recurring advisory pattern of front tyre edge wear, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the wheel alignment and front suspension geometry. Uneven or inner/outer edge tyre wear of this nature commonly indicates worn suspension bushes, top mounts, wishbone bushes, or anti-roll bar drop links, and can also result from tracking misalignment following kerb impact or worn suspension arms. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to steering vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or uneven tyre wear across the axle. It would be prudent to have the front suspension components, including the strut top mounts and control arm bushes, physically inspected on a ramp, and to budget for a four-wheel alignment and a set of replacement tyres given that the advisory tread depth of 3mm means the fronts are likely due for renewal imminently. Beyond the tyre-related observations, the clean MOT record with no brake, exhaust, corrosion, or lighting advisories is a positive indicator, but age-related and time-based deterioration should still be considered carefully. At eleven years old, regardless of mileage, the 12V battery is likely nearing the end of its reliable service life and should be load-tested, while brake discs may exhibit surface rust or lipping from age and standing periods even if pad material remains adequate. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on a calendar basis, so verify it has been changed within the last two years, and likewise confirm that coolant, transmission fluid (if applicable to the gearbox type), and engine oil have been serviced in line with manufacturer schedules rather than purely on a mileage basis. Inspect the underside, arches, and jacking points for any corrosion starting to emerge, as Passats of this era can develop surface oxidation in vulnerable areas, and examine the exhaust system for blowing joints or corroded mounting rubbers. Finally, request a full service history to verify that the timing belt or chain, water pump, and turbocharger (if fitted) have been attended to according to schedule, as these are significant expenditure items on this model.