2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FT12 KJO

The most recent MOT test on this 2012 Volkswagen Passat, conducted on 2 February 2022 at 193,539 miles, resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects. This represents a concerning gap of over four years since the last inspection, as the vehicle has since accumulated an additional 193,539 miles—nearly double the distance covered between its original registration and the 2022 test. The absence of any advisories or failings in the single available MOT record suggests the tester did not identify any immediate structural or safety-critical issues at that point, though this does not account for wear that may have developed since. The lack of subsequent tests means critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers could now be beyond their expected lifespan, particularly given the high mileage accumulation. The recorded mileage of 193,539 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an average of around 13,824 miles per annum, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either consistent heavy use or prolonged periods of neglect, both of which accelerate wear on consumable parts such as tyres, brakes, and suspension components. The absence of intermediate MOT tests—particularly none since 2022—raises questions about whether the vehicle was regularly serviced or driven responsibly during this period. Without further maintenance records, it is impossible to determine whether critical fluids were changed, whether alignment or balancing was performed, or whether any advisory faults were addressed between tests. Given the extended period since the last MOT, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, including the condition of rear and front bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers, as these are prone to failure at this mileage. The brakes should be thoroughly checked for uneven wear, binding calipers, or excessive corrosion on the discs and pads, especially if the vehicle has been exposed to moisture or driven in wet conditions. Structural integrity is another concern; the chassis, sills, and wheel arches should be examined for signs of corrosion or damage, particularly around areas prone to salt ingress. The tyres, though not flagged in the MOT, warrant immediate assessment for tread depth, uneven wear, and sidewall integrity, as failing twice on tread suggests basic upkeep may have been overlooked. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive corrosion, as this is often a silent but critical failure point in older vehicles.