2016 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · GD16 KGU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed the 1 October 2025 MOT at 184,578 miles, but the surrounding history reveals a maintenance trend that is neither stable nor improving; recurring defects in suspension, braking and tyre wear have been documented in every test since 2022 and were corrected immediately before the most recent inspection, as shown by the 30 September 2025 failure that listed rear shock oil misting, rear brake pad thickness below 1.5 mm and a damaged reflector, all of which were remedied for the October pass. The recorded mileage has risen from 76,006 miles in July 2019 to 184,578 miles in October 2025, averaging about 18,500 miles per year, which is high for a ten‑year‑old car and indicates heavy use or prolonged periods of inactivity. Notable gaps include the absence of any test between October 2024 and September 2025, and the fact that two consecutive tests on 18 October 2024 and 1 October 2025 were conducted within a mile of each other, suggesting prompt remedial work after each failure. A buyer should therefore inspect the condition of the rear shock absorbers and rear spring top rubber pads for oil leakage or missing components, verify that the rear and front brake pads meet the 1.5 mm minimum and that the brake discs are free of deep scoring or excessive wear, and check the tyre tread, especially the inner‑edge wear noted in earlier tests. Particular attention must be given to the alignment of the headlamps, the integrity of the off‑side reflector, and the security of the anti‑roll bar linkages and suspension bushes, as these items have repeatedly been recorded as defective or insecure.