2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · AF65 LGD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 July 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory roadworthiness standards. Over the past three years the record shows a mixed picture: two clean passes in 2025 and 2026, a clean pass in 2024 followed by a failure in July 2024 with several major and dangerous items, and a series of advisory and major failures in 2023 that were subsequently rectified. The pattern suggests a period of significant rear‑suspension and tyre deterioration that has been addressed, and the latest clean result points to an improving maintenance trajectory, provided the remedial work was of good quality and no new faults have emerged since the last test. At 105 015 mi the Passat averages just under 9 500 mi per annum, which is typical for a vehicle of its 2015 vintage. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme low use that might have allowed components to deteriorate from age alone, nor does it reveal any high‑speed, high‑stress mileage spikes. Consequently the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine oil should be in line with normal calendar and mileage‑related degradation, and the car’s overall mechanical life expectancy will be governed more by how well the recent repairs were executed than by any unusual mileage pattern. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear suspension, which has a documented history of a fractured off‑side rear coil spring, serious fluid leaks from both rear shock absorbers and a near‑side rear shock leak. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when passing bumps, feel for any sagging of the rear axle, and check that the rear wheels remain square and do not wander under braking. Inspect the shock absorber bodies for fresh oil stains and verify that the coil springs are intact and free of cracks. The off‑side front tyre was previously classified as dangerous with exposed ply, so the current tyre set must be examined for tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm) and sidewall integrity; look for dry rot, cracking or bulges that can develop with age even on low‑mileage tyres. The rear brake discs were noted as pitted and scored, so a visual inspection for deep scoring or uneven wear is essential, and the brake pads should be measured for remaining thickness. The seat‑belt webbing on the off‑side rear seat showed slight fraying, so the belt should be pulled taut to confirm it still locks securely and the stitching is intact. Finally, confirm that the daytime running lights and headlamp aim are correctly set, and that the TPMS indicator functions, as these were previously flagged. Given the vehicle’s eleven‑year age, time‑based checks are advisable regardless of mileage. Examine the 12 V battery for corrosion on terminals and test its cranking voltage; a battery older than three years may need replacement. Inspect all rubber hoses, coolant pipes and the radiator for signs of hardening, cracking or coolant leakage, and verify that the coolant has been flushed within the last two years. Check the engine oil level and condition, and ask for evidence that the oil and filter have been changed at the recommended intervals. Look for rust or corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches, under‑body and suspension mounting points, which can develop during periods of standing. A full service history with stamps for major items such as timing‑belt or chain replacement, suspension component replacement and brake fluid change will give further confidence that the car has been maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations.