2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · LS70 MYP

Tyre condition and rear brake‑pad wear are the only recurring mechanical notes in the MOT history, and they frame the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness picture. The latest test on 16 September 2026 was a pass, but it recorded a cut on the nearside rear tyre and a nail puncture on the offside rear tyre, while the 2024 test highlighted thin rear brake pads on both sides. Apart from those advisories the car has passed every inspection since 2019 with no recorded failures, indicating a generally stable condition of the primary safety systems. At six years old the car has logged 36 055 miles, averaging just over 6 000 miles per year – a mileage level that sits comfortably within normal UK usage patterns for a family saloon. The MOT dates are spaced roughly annually with no significant gaps, suggesting the odometer reading is likely to be representative of actual use. Such a modest annual accumulation typically translates to slower wear on major wear items, but the presence of rear‑tyre damage and brake‑pad wear despite the low mileage points to localized stress or road‑surface exposure rather than overall high mileage wear. When inspecting the rear tyres, look closely at the sidewalls for any cuts, bulges or embedded objects, and verify that the tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6 mm across the tyre’s width. During a short drive, feel for any vibration or pulling to one side, especially when cornering, which could indicate a compromised tyre or mis‑alignment caused by the noted damage. A visual check for any nail remnants and a tactile inspection of the tyre surface will help confirm whether replacement is imminent. The rear brake pads were flagged as thin in 2024, and with no subsequent advisory they may have been addressed, but a fresh inspection is prudent. Examine the pad thickness through the wheel spokes; pads approaching 2 mm should be considered for replacement. On a test drive, assess the pedal for a firm, consistent feel and listen for any squeal or grinding that would suggest pad wear or disc scoring. Also inspect the rear discs for uneven wear or scoring, as thin pads can accelerate disc degradation. Replacing the rear pads and, if necessary, resurfacing or fitting new discs will restore optimal braking performance.