2015 Volkswagen Passat 1.6L Diesel · AM07 GCM

The most recent DVSA examination on 11 February 2026 returned a PASS with no advisories or defects recorded, which provides immediate reassurance regarding the vehicle's current roadworthiness. However, it is worth observing that this pass followed a failed test only five days earlier on 6 February 2026, and the same pattern is evident in the previous year where a pass on 17 February 2025 was preceded by a failure on 12 February 2025. While the absence of any recorded defects at the time of failure is unusual and may indicate that the vehicle was presented before being fully ready or that minor items were rectified and re-submitted promptly, the recurrence of this pass-after-fail pattern suggests that the vehicle may benefit from pre-MOT preparation rather than passing first time on its own merits. A prospective buyer should request sight of the failure documentation to confirm what was actually addressed, even though no categorisation codes are visible in the supplied history. The recorded mileage of 81,167 miles over approximately eleven years equates to an average of around 7,379 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a privately owned diesel or petrol saloon of this vintage and indicates consistent if not particularly heavy use. There is no evidence in the supplied data of significant mileage gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor of any unusually rapid accumulation that would point to motorway fleet use. This average annual figure is generally favourable from a wear perspective, as it implies that the major mechanical components such as the clutch, drivetrain, and suspension have not been subjected to excessive high-mileage degradation, while still being used regularly enough to avoid the issues associated with long-term storage. Given the clean advisory record and the absence of any recurring defect categories, a physical inspection should focus on age and calendar-related deterioration rather than specific flagged components. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as eleven-year-old rubber can become unsafe even with adequate tread depth, and the date code on the sidewall should be checked to ensure they are not the original fitments. Similarly, the brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers for any signs of seizing or binding, particularly if the vehicle has spent time parked during the colder months, as standing corrosion can quickly lead to uneven braking. The exhaust system, being a common MOT failure point on older Passats, warrants a thorough check for corrosion, particularly at the rear box and mounting brackets. The 12V battery is another priority item, as its service life is typically five to seven years, meaning a 2015 vehicle is likely running on at least its second unit and may be due for replacement, especially if the car has been used predominantly for short journeys. The coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable all degrade over time regardless of mileage, so it is prudent to verify when these were last changed and whether there is documentary evidence in the service book to support regular maintenance. On the test drive, listen for any suspension knocks or clonks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or drop links, and pay particular attention to the smoothness of the clutch and gearbox, as these are known wear points on higher-mileage Passats. A diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes, particularly relating to the emissions system and DPF if fitted, would also be a sensible precaution given the vehicle's age and diesel-leaning reputation in this sector.