2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · B5 FRC

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift from a clean history to emerging mechanical neglect. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 140,923 miles passed, it introduced several advisories that were not present in previous years. The presence of an imbalanced front brake system and thinning nearside rear pads indicates that the braking components are now entering a phase of active wear after a long period of defect-free operation. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,000 miles per year. Between September 2023 and October 2025, the car covered 13,264 miles, representing a steady usage pattern. However, the significant gap between the March 2021 test and September 2022 test, where 12,980 miles were covered, suggests a period of higher intensity which may have resulted in missed service opportunities during that specific interval. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the rear geometry and suspension due to recurring inner edge damage on both rear tyres noted in both 2024 and 2025. This pattern typically points to misalignment issues or worn suspension bushes which will continue to accelerate tyre degradation if ignored. The imbalanced front brakes also require immediate professional attention to ensure a caliper is not sticking or a slider pin failing, as the tester noted the system only just met the legal requirements.