2014 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · 21 COW

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 May 2026 returned a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this continues a pattern of straightforward passes stretching back several years. The overall maintenance trend is broadly stable, with the only items of note being a small cluster of advisories from 2021 and 2022 rather than recurring failure-grade defects. Specifically, a nearside front tyre was flagged as worn down to approximately 3 mm in 2022, both front suspension arm rear bushes were noted as splitting in 2021, and both front wiper blades were recorded as torn on their edges in the same test. Since none of these have reappeared as advisories in the three subsequent tests, it suggests they were attended to at the time, although the underlying wear characteristics of those components remain worth scrutiny on a physical inspection. Against the vehicle's age of roughly twelve years, the recorded odometer reading of 122,972 miles equates to an annual average of approximately 10,248 miles, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a privately owned Passat of this generation. The mileage progression across the recorded tests is steady, showing consistent accumulation rather than any prolonged periods off the road or, conversely, unusually high annual mileage that would point to heavy motorway work. This balance is generally favourable, as it indicates the vehicle has been used regularly enough to avoid the worst effects of long-term standing, such as seized brake calipers, perished rubber, and stale fluids, while not being driven so hard that one would expect accelerated wear on major drivetrain components. Given the age of the vehicle and the advisory history from a few years ago, particular attention should be paid during a physical inspection to the condition of the front suspension. The 2021 advisory regarding both front suspension arm rear bushes splitting indicates that the original rubber bushes had begun to deteriorate, and while they may have been replaced, it is important to listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end during a test drive, particularly when traversing speed bumps, driveway kerbs, or uneven road surfaces. Uneven or scalloped wear across the front tyres would also suggest that suspension geometry or bushes are no longer holding proper alignment. Even though the 2022 tyre advisory concerned only one front tyre, the fact that a nearside front tyre was approaching the legal limit at that stage means the current tyres should be checked for remaining tread depth and, critically, for signs of sidewall perishing or cracking given the vehicle's age, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. Beyond the recorded advisories, the prospective buyer should also consider the usual time-served items that an MOT does not assess, including the state of the 12 volt battery, which on a twelve year old vehicle is almost certainly due for replacement and should be load tested if possible. Brake discs and calipers, while not flagged on any test, can suffer corrosion and binding from age and intermittent use, so feel for any pulling to one side under braking or a spongy or pulsating pedal response during a road test. Finally, verify that time-based servicing has been carried out regardless of mileage, particularly coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable, as these degrade on a calendar basis and are easily overlooked on a higher mileage but steadily driven car such as this. Confirming a full service history with stamped evidence will give the strongest indication that the vehicle has been mechanically maintained alongside passing its annual roadworthiness checks.