2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FT12 HWC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred repairs regarding steering and suspension. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026 at 139,776 miles, the vehicle had failed just one month prior due to missing steering rack gaiters on both sides and a worn offside rear tyre. This indicates that the previous owner only addressed mechanical faults once they resulted in an MOT failure, rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. At 139,776 miles over 14 years, the Passat has averaged approximately 10,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a diesel of this age. The record shows consistent use, with nearly 9,000 miles covered between April 2024 and April 2026. This steady mileage suggests the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, which helps prevent seal degradation, but the high cumulative mileage places significant stress on rubber-based components and suspension-related wear items. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. The repeated failure of the steering rack gaiters noted in March 2026 is a significant concern, as torn boots allow grit to enter the rack mechanism, potentially leading to premature and expensive steering failure. Furthermore, the nearside front suspension arm bushes have been flagged as worn in three consecutive tests since April 2024. This recurring issue suggests the bushes are reaching the end of their functional life and will likely require replacement soon. The history also highlights a pattern of uneven tyre wear, specifically the inner edge thinning noted in July 2025 and April 2026. This points to a persistent alignment issue or worn components that have remained unresolved. Given the 2024 advisory regarding corrosion on both rear lower arms, a physical check of the subframe and mounting points is essential to ensure that surface rust has not progressed into structural decay that would compromise the vehicle's integrity.