2020 Volkswagen Passat SEL TDI S-A 2.0L Diesel · AF20 LWN

The most recent MOT on 23 February 2026 was passed, but it carried three advisories: front tyres approaching the legal tread limit, front inner brake disc showing wear and scoring, and a missing OBD port. Earlier tests show a pattern of recurring front‑tyre wear and, in 2023, light oil misting from both front shock absorbers, while the intervening years were otherwise clear of defects. Overall the maintenance trend is stable in that no outright failures have been recorded, yet the repeat advisories indicate that wear items are reaching the end of their service life and will require attention before the next test. At 60,392 miles the Passat has averaged just over 10 000 miles per year since its first registration in 2020, which is typical for a family saloon of this age. The mileage does not suggest any periods of excessive short‑term use, but the relatively low annual distance combined with the front‑tyre wear advisories points to the front axle bearing a disproportionate share of the load, possibly due to frequent city driving, heavy braking or a slight mis‑alignment. The mileage is well below the thresholds where major drivetrain components such as the timing belt or fuel‑system wear become imminent, but it does mean that age‑related degradation of rubber and metal parts must be considered. A prospective buyer should inspect the front tyres closely for tread depth, sidewall cracking and any signs of uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or incorrect tyre pressures. The oil mist observed on the front shock absorbers suggests a deteriorating seal; listen for a soft clunk or reduced damping when driving over bumps and check the shock bodies for external oil staining. The inner front brake disc’s scoring warrants a visual inspection of the disc surface and measurement of the remaining thickness; any pulsation in the pedal, shudder at higher speeds or increased stopping distances would signal that resurfacing or replacement is imminent. The missing OBD port is a compliance issue – ensure that a functional port is fitted or that the vehicle’s electronic diagnostics are otherwise accessible, as its absence can cause a failure at the next MOT. Given the vehicle is six years old, age‑related checks are essential regardless of mileage. Examine all tyres for age‑related perishing – the DOT code should not be older than six years – and replace any that show dry rot or sidewall brittleness. Test the 12‑volt battery under load, especially if the car has spent long periods standing, and verify that the alternator is charging correctly. Inspect the under‑carriage for corrosion of the exhaust hangers, chassis brackets and brake lines, and look for any fluid leaks from the engine, coolant system and brake circuits. Confirm that the service book records regular oil and filter changes, that brake fluid has been flushed within the last two years, and that the timing belt (or chain) service interval for the TDI engine has not been exceeded; a timing‑belt replacement at 80 000 miles or ten years is typical for this model. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s roadworthiness and any near‑term maintenance that may be required.