2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.6L Diesel · DH66 RZP

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of deferred repairs regarding wear components. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 98,522 miles secured a pass, the presence of a misting nearside rear shock absorber and a non-excessive oil leak suggests the beginning of mechanical degradation. The transition from a failure in early 2024 to subsequent passes shows that the owner only addresses mechanical faults once they result in an MOT failure. The mileage pattern is consistent with a typical long-distance commuter vehicle, averaging approximately 11,000 miles per annum. There is a steady accumulation of mileage, with 9,721 miles covered between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 15,249 miles between March 2024 and May 2026. This regular usage suggests the car has not sat for long periods, though it places consistent strain on the suspension and braking systems, which explains the recurring wear-related issues seen in the record. A buyer must inspect the front suspension geometry closely, as the 2024 failure highlighted a split CV boot and a damaged track rod end. These issues, along with the repeated inner-edge wear on the offside front tyre noted in 2024 and 2025, suggest a potential alignment issue or worn suspension bushes. The rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin across two consecutive years, indicating that service intervals for consumables are being pushed to their absolute limits. The oil leak noted in the May 2026 test requires a physical underinspection to determine if it is a minor gasket seep or a more significant component failure. Additionally, the cuts on both rear tyres should be monitored for structural integrity, even if they currently sit above the ply cords. The misting shock absorber is a clear indicator of future failure, as oil loss will eventually lead to a loss of damping performance.