2011 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · AP11 FSC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance record shows a worsening trend regarding the braking system. Following the most recent test in June 2025 at 80,416 miles, the tester flagged thin rear brake pads alongside pitted and scored discs on both rear sides. This represents a progression from the June 2024 test at 76,968 miles, where only slight surface corrosion was noted. While the car has passed its tests, the recurring mention of brake hardware indicates that the owner is delaying routine replacements across multiple intervals. The mileage profile is notably low for a fifteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,360 miles per year. Between June 2023 and June 2025, the car covered only 7,598 miles, suggesting infrequent use or long periods of inactivity. This low usage pattern often leads to age-related degradation of rubber-based components despite low mileage. The failure in 2023 at 72,817 miles due to structural tyre tears is a classic symptom of vehicles that sit stationary, leading to dry rot and flat spotting. A buyer must physically inspect the rear braking assembly to ensure the pitted discs are not beyond service and that the pads have actually been replaced. Given the history of corrosion on the discs, the calipers should be checked for seized pistons or binding conditions which frequently occur on low-use vehicles. The inspection also requires a thorough check of sidewall cracks in the tyres and suspension bushes, as these components fail due to age and environmental exposure rather than mechanical wear in cars with this mileage bracket.