2004 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · VF53 BEU

The Volkswagen Passat presented a current pass at the 8 February 2026 test with 196,770 miles recorded and no defects listed, granting valid roadworthiness on that date. Prior to this, the vehicle failed at the 22 January 2026 examination with 196,603 miles and again at the 10 April 2025 test with 195,170 miles, yet both failures show no defects logged in the official record. This pattern indicates a resolving status at the most recent attempt, though the absence of recorded fault details across two consecutive failures points to either administrative anomalies or omitted data that demands verification. Overall maintenance trend appears stable regarding mechanical advisories, as no tester flagged wear on suspension, brakes, or corrosion across the available history. Mileage accumulation aligns with typical use for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 8,900 miles per year. The record shows 175,938 miles at the June 2022 test, rising to 186,300 by September 2023, then 195,170 in April 2025, and 196,603 in January 2026. A noticeable slowdown occurred in the final interval, with only 1,433 miles added over nine months before the recent tests. The history is sparse, containing just five entries across four years, and each logged test returned no defects or advisories, suggesting either diligent basic upkeep or incomplete reporting. A buyer should commission a physical inspection of structural integrity and mechanical wear irrespective of the clean digital record. The Passat's age and 196,770 miles expose it to predictable degradation of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs. Examiners logged no corrosion or exhaust emissions issues, but underbody rust and tired dampers commonly escape detection without ramp access. The two unexplained failures without recorded defects warrant a check of the DVSA failure reasons, as they may relate to documentation or non-mechanical compliance. Focus scrutiny on binding calipers, worn tyres, and wiper blades as consumable items, though none were cited. Previous owners sustained average annual mileage and avoided flagged faults, yet the recent cluster of tests in early 2026 implies a sale preparation cycle. Verify service history alongside the MOT anomalies before purchase.