2008 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · AE08 RWC

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat presents a currently roadworthy status following a passed MOT on 12 November 2025 at 205,205 miles with no defects recorded. The maintenance trend is stable on paper, though the record reveals a recurring pattern of same-week failures immediately preceding passes in both November 2024 and November 2025, suggesting last-minute rectification rather than proactive upkeep. Recorded mileage stands at 205,205 against an 18-year lifespan, equating to roughly 11,400 miles per year which is typical for the vehicle's age. The history shows 196,343 miles at the November 2023 test, rising to 201,170 by November 2024 and 205,205 by November 2025, a steady annual accumulation of around 4,000 to 5,000 miles. No gaps or abrupt accumulation appear. The DVSA data itself is sparse and clean, with no advisories or specified mechanical faults logged across any test. The back-to-back fail-then-pass entries on 12 and 16 November 2024, and 11 and 12 November 2025, indicate the car was presented with a defect the tester would not pass, then returned within days cleared. Because no defect text was captured, a buyer cannot confirm whether this concerned tyre tread, brake discs, suspension bushes, or emissions. A physical inspection should verify structural integrity for corrosion, check coil springs and wishbone bushes for fatigue at this mileage, and confirm the braking system shows no binding calipers or warped discs from the recent work. Given the age and 205,000 miles, expect consumable wear on exhaust hangers, drop links, and dampers even if the MOT omitted advisories. The previous owner's habit of failing then immediately passing implies basic faults were left until the deadline, so a pre-purchase check of fluid condition and cambelt history is warranted.