2014 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · LD64 DFF

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by a reactive rather than proactive approach to repairs. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 107,876 miles, it failed that same inspection due to critical safety defects. The tester flagged rear brake pads as wearing thin very low and an offside front inner tyre with exposed cords, which represents an immediate safety risk. This pattern suggests the previous owner only addressed major faults when forced by an MOT failure, rather than monitoring consumable items during regular servicing. The mileage profile is consistent with a 12-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,000 miles per year. There is a notable gap of 4,000 miles between the October 2023 test at 98,010 miles and the November 2024 test at 103,839 miles, followed by another 4,000 miles leading into the 2025 inspection. While the annual usage suggests moderate use, the frequency of failures indicates that components are wearing out significantly between these intervals. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the suspension and braking systems. The 2024 record noted worn rear bushes on both front lower suspension arms and corrosion on the rear lower arms, which should be checked for structural integrity to ensure the rust has not worsened. The serious fluid leak on the offside rear shock absorber from 2023 requires verification that the pair was actually replaced to maintain vehicle handling. Furthermore, the recurring low coolant level noted in the 2025 test indicates a persistent leak in the cooling system that requires a pressure test to prevent engine overheating.