2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · AF65 LFZ

This 2015 Volkswagen Passat presents a largely reassuring roadworthiness profile, with four clean pass events across the last four MOT tests and a stable trend that has not produced any advisories or repeat defects over the testing window. The defining item in the history is a single Major failure recorded on 2024-08-19 for the near-side front wheel bearing being rough when rotated, which prevented the vehicle from passing on that occasion before being presented again later the same day and passing without any recorded defects. The fact that the wheel bearing issue did not reappear on subsequent tests, and that the most recent examination on 2025-07-29 returned a clean pass with no advisories recorded, suggests the fault was addressed rather than papered over, giving the record an overall sound appearance. Against an age of roughly eleven years, the recorded mileage of 88,070 equates to an annual accumulation of around 8,000 miles, which sits squarely within the normal band for a vehicle of this vintage and likely usage category. There are no multi-year gaps in the MOT history that would imply extended periods off the road with a stationary powertrain, nor is there any sudden spike in mileage between tests that might indicate heavy commercial-style use. Mechanical implications of this average-use pattern are therefore broadly proportional: the usual service items and wear components on a Passat of this age and mileage, such as brake discs and pads, tyres, drive belts and auxiliary drive items, will be approaching or past the midpoint of their second or third life, but the absence of any repeat advisories in the record implies the consumable cycle has been kept up to a reasonable standard. The only specific component flagged in the official record is the near-side front wheel bearing, and although the car passed cleanly immediately after the failure was raised, a prospective buyer should still pay close attention to this area on a test drive. Listen for a rotational drone or humming noise from the front near-side corner that changes with vehicle speed and may alter slightly on gentle left and right inputs, as well as any vibration transmitted through the steering wheel over smoother surfaces. With the wheel jacked and the tyre rocked by hand at twelve and six o'clock then three and nine, any noticeable play, roughness, notchiness or a gritty feel rather than smooth rotation would indicate renewed bearing wear. Given that the failure was categorised as Major rather than Minor, it is also worth asking for the workshop invoice or receipt confirming the part fitted, since hub assemblies on this generation of Passat are generally straightforward to replace but the cost and correctness of the replacement is worth verifying. Beyond the bearing, the absence of any corrosion advisories on structural items, brake pipes, under-trays or suspension components over four consecutive tests is a positive indicator, but it should still be confirmed physically on a ramp or over a pit before purchase. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the front suspension for any clonks, knocks or shudders over broken tarmac, especially from the near-side, which would point to worn top mounts, drop links or anti-roll bar bushes that have not yet reached the threshold for an advisory. Brake pedal feel should be firm without excessive travel or judder under firm stopping, the steering should self-centre cleanly without drift, and the gearbox or clutch action should be smooth without graunching or slipping under load. Given the clean advisory record and the single resolved Major defect, this Passat represents a sound basis for further inspection rather than a known problem vehicle, provided the test-drive evaluation returns no fresh symptoms.