2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · GL67 XJN

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a clean MOT test in December 2025 at 96,898 miles. However, the maintenance trend shows a period of reactive repair rather than proactive upkeep. While the most recent record indicates no outstanding defects, the history leading up to late 2024 reveals a cycle of neglected wear items failing, suggesting that components were only addressed once they reached their operational limit or triggered a failure. At 96,898 miles over approximately eight years, this Passat has averaged roughly 12,000 miles per annum, which places it above the typical national average for its age. The data shows a significant spike in usage between January 2024 and December 2024, where the vehicle covered 11,422 miles in just under eleven months. This rapid accumulation correlates with the accelerated degradation of the braking system and suspension components noted during the December 2024 failure, as high annual mileage puts consistent stress on mechanical assemblies. A buyer must closely inspect the front suspension geometry, as the control arm bushes were flagged as worn in both December 2024 and January 2025. Although these did not cause a failure in the latest test, the recurring nature of this advisory suggests the rubber components are nearing terminal wear. The braking system also shows a history of pitted and scored discs alongside thin pads recorded between 2023 and 2024, necessitating a physical check of current pad thickness and the condition of the calipers to ensure the repairs made after the last failure were thorough. The offside rear shock absorber, which failed for a serious fluid leak in late 2024, should be verified for any signs of residual weeping. Given the mileage and the documented history of brake wear, an inspection of the underbody should also check for any excessive corrosion or oil-related leaks. The high mileage suggests that drivetrain components and cooling systems are now entering significant service intervals, making a thorough test drive essential to identify any mechanical noises that the MOT tester would not capture.