2017 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · ML67 AEB

The Volkswagen Passat’s MOT history presents an unusual but ultimately stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test in December 2025 at 154,137 miles passing without any defects. This follows a single failed test in December 2024 at 134,348 miles—an anomaly with no recorded issues, suggesting a clerical or administrative error rather than a mechanical problem. The consistency of clean passes since 2022, including the latest, indicates the vehicle has either been well-maintained or luckily avoided significant wear in critical areas. However, the lack of advisories or minor defects in any test raises questions about whether routine servicing has been thorough, as even high-mileage vehicles typically show some signs of consumable wear. The mileage accumulation is aggressive for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging around 17,126 miles per year, which is well above the UK fleet average. The jump from 89,451 miles in December 2022 to 107,957 miles in December 2023 (18,506 miles in a year) and again to 134,538 miles by December 2024 (26,581 miles) suggests either intensive use or a period of inactivity followed by rapid driving. The December 2024 test, just 90 miles apart from the failed one, further implies the vehicle was likely driven heavily in that final year. Such mileage demands greater scrutiny of suspension components—ball joints, coil springs, and anti-roll bars—as well as brake systems, given the increased wear on friction materials and hydraulic systems. Given the clean MOT record, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry and condition, particularly the rear trailing arms and bushes, which are prone to wear under high mileage. The absence of advisories on brake components in recent tests does not guarantee their current state, so a visual check for uneven disc thickness, glazing, or binding calipers is essential. Structural integrity should also be verified, especially around wheel arches and underbody panels, as high mileage can accelerate corrosion in areas prone to road salt or moisture ingress. While the MOT history suggests no immediate red flags, the rapid mileage accumulation means hidden wear in less frequently inspected areas—such as the drivetrain mounts or exhaust hangers—cannot be ruled out without a hands-on examination.