2011 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FD11 DKN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding front suspension integrity. While it passed the most recent test in March 2026 at 145,658 miles, this followed a significant failure in November 2025. The 2025 failure highlighted critical issues including a fractured nearside coil spring, an excessively worn strut top mount, and worn suspension arm bushes. Although the March test passed, the tester still flagged a remaining worn offside front suspension arm bush, indicating that the front end assembly is nearing a comprehensive overhaul. At 145,658 miles, the Passat averages approximately 9,700 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a fifteen-year-old vehicle. The data shows a period of high activity with over 17,000 miles covered between September 2024 and November 2025, and another 1,600 miles into early 2026. This consistent mileage suggests the car has been used regularly, which explains the accelerated wear on rubber components and metal suspension parts seen throughout the MOT history. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear subframe, as the March 2026 test noted corrosion that has not yet reached failure thresholds. Structural rust on Passats of this age often progresses rapidly if not treated. Attention should also be paid to the front wishbone bushes and strut mounts, as the recurring failures and advisories across 2023, 2025, and 2026 suggest the suspension geometry is constantly being stressed. The history of pitted brake discs and worn tyres also indicates that maintenance is often addressed only upon failure rather than through scheduled preventative replacement.