2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · LL62 HGD

A clear mechanical theme emerges across the MOT record of this 2012 Volkswagen Passat: a persistent, long-running pattern of front suspension arm pin or bush wear, recorded as an advisory at four consecutive tests from 2020 through 2025, alongside newer advisories on both front tyres for cracking and perishing. The vehicle passed its most recent examination on 22 October 2025, and the broader trend over the past three years has been one of gradually accumulating wear items rather than acute failures, with the only recorded failure being a trivial 2021 windscreen washer jet issue that was rectified and followed by a pass on the same day. An oil leak, noted in 2024 as not excessive, has not reappeared in subsequent advisories, though any prospective buyer should still monitor under-bonnet and undertray evidence of seepage. The 2022 test also recorded inner steering rack joint play, an item worth noting alongside the suspension wear as part of the front-end wear profile. Recorded mileage of 109,695 miles over approximately fourteen years equates to around 7,800 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age. The MOT history shows tests conducted at broadly annual intervals from 2019 onwards, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods, which is consistent with the consistent mileage progression implied by the record. No unusual gaps in testing or sudden mileage jumps are evident, so there is no objective basis from the DVSA data alone to suggest irregular use, long-standing inactivity, or clock anomalies. The combination of moderate annual mileage and continuous testing history provides some reassurance that the wear items identified have developed through normal operational use rather than through stagnation-related deterioration. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension arm pins and bushes should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive, as this is the only component category that has been flagged repeatedly across five separate examinations over a five-year span. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or rattling through the steering when traversing rough tarmac, as worn pins or bushes can introduce slack that manifests as imprecise steering response or a knock under load. With the vehicle raised, the front lower arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and console bushes should be physically checked for perished rubber, elongation of the bush bore, or visible cracking, as advisories of this nature tend to progress toward excessive movement and eventual failure if left unaddressed. The tyre cracking and perishing advisories recorded on both front tyres at the most recent test are also relevant, as rubber degradation of this nature can occur gradually and is influenced by age, UV exposure, and storage conditions rather than tread depth alone. Inspect the sidewalls and tread shoulders carefully for visible cracking, checking for any bulges or exposed ply cords, and confirm the manufacturing DOT date stamps to gauge remaining service life. The oil leak advisory from the previous test should be investigated by inspecting the engine and gearbox seals, sump, cam chain cover, and any turbo or oil cooler lines for fresh seepage, while the earlier steering rack inner joint advisory warrants a check for knocking or looseness when turning the wheel from lock to lock with the vehicle stationary. Finally, although the brake, exhaust, and structural items have not been flagged across the recorded history, a thorough undertray and brake disc inspection remains advisable given the mileage, paying particular attention to disc lipping, pad wear, and any corrosion around mounting points.