2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.4L Hybrid electric · LB17 CKU

The 2017 Volkswagen Passat presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 3 April 2025 at 137,147 miles, passed but flagged two slightly distorted road wheels, one at the nearside front and one at the nearside rear. Distorted wheels can cause vibration, uneven tyre wear, and stress on suspension bushes and track rod ends over time. The vehicle has not been retested since that April 2025 pass, meaning the current certificate is now over fourteen months old and due for renewal. A fresh MOT should be arranged before purchase to confirm the car's present condition. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story of sustained high use. Between the June 2023 test at 109,340 miles and the April 2025 test at 137,147 miles, the car covered roughly 27,800 miles in under two years, averaging close to 14,000 miles annually. That is well above the typical UK average and points to prolonged motorway or fleet-style driving. High mileage at this age accelerates wear on consumable components, including brake discs and pads, suspension coil springs and dampers, and drivetrain mounts, all of which deserve close physical inspection. The MOT record reveals a recurring pattern of tyre failures that warrants attention. In June 2023, both front tyres failed with exposed ply or cords, indicating the previous owner ran them well beyond safe limits. The June 2024 failure showed the same issue on the nearside rear inner tyre, along with a structural bulge on the offside rear. Failing on tyre condition twice in consecutive years suggests basic upkeep was neglected. A buyer should carefully examine all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and age-related cracking, and verify that the spare wheel, if present, has been maintained. Beyond tyres, the two advisories for slightly distorted wheels in April 2025 raise questions about the condition of the wheel bearings, suspension joints, and steering geometry. A hands-on inspection should include a check for play in the front wheel bearings, uneven brake disc wear that could indicate binding calipers, and any signs of corrosion on the subframe or inner wing arches. Given the high annual mileage, the exhaust system and DPF, where fitted, should also be assessed for cracking or excessive soot deposits that could affect emissions compliance at the next test.