2020 Volkswagen Passat SE NAV TDI S-A 2.0L Diesel · GL70 YJY

The vehicle's most recent MOT test, conducted on 18 December 2023, resulted in a Pass. However, the history contains a notable entry from 14 December 2023, just four days earlier, where the vehicle failed the MOT due to a dangerous defect: an offside front tyre with tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm. While the vehicle subsequently passed after rectification, the previous test carries five advisories. These include worn and pitted front and rear brake discs, rear tyres worn close to the legal limit on both the nearside and offside edges, and a deteriorated rear registration plate. The presence of matching brake disc advisories across both the failed and subsequent passed tests indicates these issues were identified prior to the rectification and are now part of the vehicle's advisory record, signalling a pattern of wear on the braking system and tyres that a prospective buyer should investigate further. With a recorded mileage of 69,494 miles over approximately six years, the vehicle averages around 11,580 miles per annum. This figure is broadly typical for a diesel-powered estate of this age and use profile, indicating neither prolonged periods of standing nor exceptionally high annual accumulation. Such mileage implies regular, consistent use, which is generally beneficial for the mechanical health of diesel components such as the dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, diesel particulate filter, and exhaust system, as these parts suffer when subjected to frequent short journeys or extended inactivity. Routine maintenance, including cambelt or timing chain intervals, fuel filter replacements, and AdBlue system servicing, should have been conducted in line with manufacturer schedules. Regarding the recurring brake and tyre advisories, a buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel during moderate deceleration, which suggests the front brake discs are warped or excessively worn. Pulsations felt through the brake pedal typically point to rear disc issues. Given the advisories, the discs may have been machined or replaced, so verify the current thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification. Inspect the brake pads for remaining material and visually check the rear calipers for seizing, a common issue on vehicles with electronic parking brakes that can lead to uneven pad wear. Test the tyres closely for any uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, which can indicate suspension geometry issues such as worn bushes, drop links, or tracking misalignment. Ensure all four tyres are of matching brand, type, and tread pattern to prevent differential wear on the four-wheel-drive or stability control systems. Beyond the advisory items, a buyer should perform a comprehensive evaluation based on the vehicle's age and mileage. Check the sidewalls of the tyres for cracking or perishing, as rubber degrades over time regardless of tread depth, particularly on vehicles over five years old. Examine the condition of the 12-volt battery, ensuring it holds a charge, as a failing battery can cause electrical faults and starting issues. Inspect under the bonnet for any signs of fluid leaks from the coolant, oil, or power steering systems, and verify the condition and levels of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, noting that brake fluid should ideally be changed every two years due to its hygroscopic nature. Finally, review the service book or digital service history to confirm that major interval services, including any timing belt replacement if applicable to this engine variant, and diesel-specific maintenance such as diesel particulate filter cleaning or EGR valve inspections, have been carried out at the correct mileage intervals.