2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · KN12 ADX

The most recent MOT test on 2025-04-24 confirms the vehicle passed without defects, though the preceding test just one day earlier—2025-04-23—recorded a failure at 312,109 miles. This abrupt reversal suggests either a temporary administrative error or a last-minute correction, as no defects were logged on either occasion. The 2022 tests similarly show a failed then passed sequence, though the gap between failures and passes was narrower (11 miles). The overall trend is ambiguous, but the absence of recurring advisories or defects in the latest pass implies no obvious mechanical degradation was detected at the time. However, the rapid accumulation of mileage between tests—nearly 120,000 miles in just over three years—raises concerns about whether critical components were overlooked between inspections. The recorded mileage of 193,935 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an average of 13,852 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. The largest jump occurred between the 2022 failure at 143,605 miles and the 2025 failure at 312,109 miles, a span of 168,504 miles in just three years. This suggests either intensive use or prolonged periods without maintenance. The 2025 tests occurred within 24 hours of each other, which is highly irregular and may indicate a rushed or incomplete inspection process. The lack of advisories in any test implies no major issues were flagged, but the mileage pattern alone warrants scrutiny of wear items like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers. Given the high mileage and irregular test intervals, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension for worn or leaking components, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which are prone to failure at this mileage. The brakes should be checked for uneven wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on the discs and pads, as repeated high-mileage use increases the risk of failure. Structural integrity, including the floorpan for corrosion and the subframe for cracks, should also be examined, especially if the vehicle has spent time in wet or salty environments. The engine bay should be inspected for oil leaks, worn serpentine belts, and the condition of the alternator and power steering components, all of which degrade with age and mileage. The absence of advisories in the MOT history does not guarantee these areas are sound—only that they were not flagged at the time of testing.