2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · EX12 AEM

The Volkswagen Passat’s most recent MOT test on 18 September 2025—just under a year ago—confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. This consistency across the last three annual tests (2023, 2024, and 2025) suggests the car has been maintained at a basic level without any recurring mechanical failures. The single failure in September 2024 was unusual, as no defects were logged, indicating either a minor administrative oversight or a non-critical oversight by the tester. However, the subsequent retest two days later passed without issue, reinforcing that no serious underlying problems were present. The mileage progression of approximately 9,500 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between the 2024 failure and the 2025 pass—just 12 miles—is unusually short for a retest. This suggests the car was either driven minimally between tests or stood unused for an extended period. The absence of advisories or repeated failures implies no urgent mechanical concerns, but the lack of service history beyond MOTs means critical intervals for components like timing belts, suspension bushes, or differential fluid may have been overlooked. Given the clean MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of high-wear items such as suspension bushes and coil springs, particularly at the rear where binding calipers or worn shock absorbers could develop without MOT detection. The brakes, while not flagged in tests, should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion on the discs and calipers, especially if the vehicle has been exposed to moisture or salt. Structural integrity remains a concern for a 14-year-old Passat; close examination of wheel arches, sills, and underbody for corrosion is essential, as is verifying the integrity of the exhaust system for leaks or rust-induced failure points. The engine bay should be inspected for oil leaks or degraded hoses, as these are often silent until they cause failure.