2017 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · OV17 OGW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend regarding reactive rather than proactive maintenance. While it passed its most recent test in May 2026 at 69,796 miles, it failed just one month prior due to an inoperative engine malfunction indicator light. This suggests a potential electronic or sensor fault that was addressed immediately before the retest. The recurring mention of thin rear brake pads across multiple years indicates that the owner neglects routine service items until they reach a failure point. The mileage pattern is consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,755 miles per year. There is a significant gap of over 8,000 miles between January 2023 and January 2024, followed by another 8,700-mile interval between January 2024 and January 2025. This steady usage suggests the car is not driven excessively, but the perishing of tyres noted in the 2024 test indicates the vehicle may sit for long periods, leading to rubber-related de-gradation from age rather than tread wear. A buyer must inspect the rear braking system thoroughly, as the record shows a history of worn pads and pitted discs dating back to 2025. The 2026 failure also highlighted an offside front tyre worn on the edge, which often indicates an alignment issue or worn suspension components that require investigation. The recent engine malfunction light failure should be verified with a diagnostic tool to ensure the fault was properly cleared and not merely an intermittent sensor. Check all tyres for sidew cracking, as the previous records show a history of perishing due to age.