2011 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FT11 XGS

The 2026‑04‑16 MOT at 77,922 miles passed with no defects recorded, indicating current roadworthiness, but the preceding failure on the same date revealed serious weakening of the near‑ and off‑side rear lower suspension arms (5.3.3 (b) (i)). The repeated corrosion of these arms since 2024 shows a clear worsening trend rather than stabilisation. Mileage has risen from 45,785 miles in the 2016 test to 77,922 miles in 2026, an increase of 32,137 miles over ten years, or roughly 3,200 miles per annum. The incremental growth is modest between 2017‑2020 (average 1,500‑2,000 miles per year) but accelerates after 2024, with a jump of 4,775 miles between the 2024‑04‑18 and 2026‑04‑16 tests, suggesting periods of more intensive use or longer intervals of inactivity. A buyer should therefore prioritize a close examination of the rear suspension geometry, checking for continued corrosion, cracks or deformation of the lower arms and their mounting points, and verifying that the rear coil springs are intact and not fractured as noted in the 2024 failure. Inspection of the front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joints, suspension arm pins and bushes for excessive wear, and the condition of the brake discs and pads is essential, given the 2015 advisory on worn, pitted discs and the 2024 report of excessively worn front suspension components. Finally, the tyre wear patterns recorded since 2014 – edge wear on all four tyres and a nail in the off‑side rear tyre – indicate possible alignment or loading issues, so a thorough tread depth measurement and side‑wall inspection should be included in the pre‑purchase check, alongside a review of any under‑tray or engine‑cover obscuration that may hide structural rust or damaged components.