2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.6L Diesel · ML17 LCG

A chronic pattern of brake and tyre wear advisories defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2017 Volkswagen Passat, with the most recent MOT on 2026-05-20 returning a pass but flagging front brake pads wearing thin alongside both front brake discs showing pitting and scoring, a condition also documented in 2024 and 2023. This recurrence across three consecutive tests indicates that the front braking components are subject to steady, ongoing degradation rather than a one-off event, meaning a prospective buyer should expect discs and pads to be approaching replacement if they have not already been renewed. The tyre-related advisories are equally persistent, with near side rear tyre damage and edge wear noted in 2025 and again in 2026, plus an offside front tyre flagged as bald on the edge in 2024. The sole recorded failure, a dipped beam headlamp defect on the offside front in May 2025, was remedied prior to the immediate retest the following day, but its presence still warrants verifying that the lighting system is functioning fully and that the repair was carried out properly rather than via a temporary workaround. Covering 77,141 miles over nine years equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 8,571 miles, which sits comfortably within the normal usage band for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, no sudden mileage spikes between tests, and no periods of deregistration, suggesting the car has remained in continuous, moderate use rather than suffering the corrosion and component degradation often associated with long-term standing. This steady utilisation pattern is mechanically reassuring because regular running tends to keep seals, brakes, suspension bushes, and drivetrain components functioning as intended, and there is no mileage evidence here of hard commercial or high-stress operation. For a prospective buyer, the front braking system should be the priority area for physical inspection and negotiation, given that pitted and scored discs were flagged in three of the last four tests and pads were noted as thinning at the latest assessment. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsing through the brake pedal under firm stops, and check for a tendency of the steering wheel to pull either side, which would suggest uneven disc wear or a binding caliper. Inspect both front discs visually for a pronounced lip at the outer edge and ridges across the friction surface, and measure pad material against the backing plate to confirm remaining thickness. The tyres deserve equal scrutiny, particularly the rear near side for cracking and perishing and the front offside for edge wear, as uneven shoulder wear on the front can point to suspension geometry issues, worn wishbones, or tracking misalignment that would not necessarily show up on the MOT. Finally, although the headlamp failure was rectified, it is worth confirming that both dipped beams illuminate correctly and that no dashboard warning lights remain, as electrical gremlins on older Passats can occasionally recur. With the car having passed its most recent test, the immediate regulatory position is sound, but the cumulative advisory record signals that budgeting for a front brake disc and pad refresh, together with a full set of replacement tyres, is a realistic expectation rather than an optional consideration. Any test drive should also include driving over uneven surfaces to listen for clonks from the front suspension, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar links or drop links, components that commonly attract advisories on higher-mileage Passats and would be consistent with this vehicle's usage profile.