2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FT12 HWM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test in June 2026 at 181,945 miles followed a failure just three miles prior, where the tester identified a tyre below the legal limit alongside multiple suspension and drivetrain defects. While the car passed, the recurring presence of worn front suspension arm bushes and deteriorated CV boots across three consecutive years indicates that the owner is only addressing mechanical components once they reach a point of failure or near-failure. At 181,945 miles, this 14-year-old Passat has covered an average of approximately 13,000 miles per year. This high mileage suggests consistent motorway use, which accelerates the wear on drivetrain and suspension components. The record shows a steady accumulation of mileage, with nearly 9,000 miles driven between July 2024 and July 2025, and another 5,800 miles in the final year. This consistent usage pattern places significant stress on the engine mounts, turbocharger systems, and rubber-based suspension components. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the front end assembly and drivetrain. The history repeatedly flags the nearside and offside front suspension arm bushes and CV boots; these should be thoroughly checked for grease leakage from the boots and play in the bushes, which would indicate imminent joint failure. The minor oil leak noted in 2023 should be re-examined to ensure it has not worsened into a significant leak given the high mileage. Given the failure for low tyre tread in June 2026, the condition of all four tyres must be verified to ensure they are not merely at the legal limit.