2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FT12 HWA

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a pattern of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. While the car passed its most recent test in June 2025 at 148,256 miles, this followed a significant failure that revealed multiple critical safety and mechanical faults. The trend shows a worsening state of suspension and braking components, with recurring advisories that persist across multiple years before escalating into test failures. This suggests the previous owner only addresses faults when forced by an MOT failure, rather than performing routine preventative maintenance. At 148,256 miles, this 14-year-old Passat has covered a typical distance of approximately 10,600 miles per year, which is consistent with its age. The data shows a steady accumulation of roughly 9,000 miles between June 2024 and June 2025, and another 9,300 miles in the following year. While the mileage itself indicates the vehicle is used regularly, the high frequency of mechanical failures suggests the high-mileage components are experiencing accelerated wear and tear between inspections. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension geometry, as the record repeatedly flags worn front arm bushes and corroded rear coil springs. The corrosion on the rear springs has been a documented issue since at least 2023, indicating a potential for structural rust in the mounting points if untreated. The braking system also requires scrutiny; the June 2025 test identified pitted and scored front discs alongside thin pads, which often points to long intervals between brake service intervals. Electronic and safety systems are another area of concern given the repeated failures for an inoperative engine management indicator light and a supplementary restraint system warning lamp in both 2024 and 2025. These faults indicate underlying electrical issues or sensor failures that may be expensive to diagnose and rectify permanently. Furthermore, the history of structural tyre failures, including tears and low tread depth noted in 2024, suggests that basic consumable upkeep has been neglected until reaching dangerous levels.