2016 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · AF16 VVB

The most recent MOT on 28 April 2026 recorded a pass but highlighted several advisories: the front brakes are marginally out of balance, the near‑side front tyre is close to the legal tread limit and shows edge wear, the rear tyres exhibit early cracking or perishing, and the rear shock absorbers have a light oil mist. Earlier in the series, the 2025 MOT flagged a pitted off‑side rear brake disc and the same near‑side front tyre wear, while the 2020 test listed multiple brake‑disc wear advisories. Apart from a clean stretch from 2021 to 2024, the pattern shows a modest increase in wear‑related items rather than a sudden deterioration, indicating a generally stable maintenance trend with emerging age‑related wear. At 73 659 miles for a 2016 model the vehicle averages just over 7 300 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious mileage gaps suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear observed is consistent with normal calendar ageing rather than accelerated mileage accumulation. Consequently, consumables such as tyres, brake discs and suspension components are likely to be showing wear appropriate to a ten‑year‑old car with moderate annual use. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the braking system. Verify that the front brake pedal feels firm and returns smoothly without pulsation, and listen for any squeal or grinding that could indicate further disc thinning. Measuring the remaining disc thickness at a garage will confirm whether the off‑side rear disc and the near‑side front disc need resurfacing or replacement. The front tyre’s edge wear suggests uneven loading or mis‑alignment; a professional wheel‑alignment check and a tyre depth gauge reading are advisable, and the rear tyres’ cracking points to age‑related perishing – even if the tread depth appears adequate, replacement is prudent to avoid sudden failure. The rear shock absorbers’ oil mist may be an early sign of seal wear; a bounce test should reveal any loss of damping, and a visual inspection of the shock bodies for leakage will indicate whether they are approaching the end of their service life. Beyond the specific advisories, the car’s ten‑year age warrants a comprehensive age‑related inspection. Examine the undertrays for signs of corrosion, especially around wheel arches and the chassis, as they were fitted to mitigate rust but may still allow moisture ingress. Check the 12‑volt battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s cranking power, particularly if the vehicle has spent periods idle. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for proper levels, colour and any signs of contamination, remembering that many fluids degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. Finally, assess suspension bushes, ball joints and tie‑rod ends for any play or knocking noises, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any manufacturer‑recommended timing‑belt or chain service, as these are critical to long‑term reliability.