2003 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · OW03 CWM
2003 Volkswagen Passat (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01/08/2003. Recorded mileage 205,445 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Oxford
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16/12/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 205,445 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 1896cc
OW03 CWM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/11/2024
- 205,445 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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OW03 CWM Mileage History
- 03/12/2021182,339 mi
- 18/11/2022189,673 mi+7,334 mi
- 21/11/2023198,357 mi+8,684 mi
- 27/11/2023198,542 mi+185 mi
- 27/11/2024205,445 mi+6,903 mi
Average of roughly 7,744 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
OW03 CWM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Volkswagen Passat (OW03 CWM) between December 2021 and November 2024.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 November 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
Given the vehicle's age and the 205,445 miles recorded, any purchase should be contingent on a thorough mechanical inspection. You should specifically ask for evidence of recent work regarding the drive shaft CV boot and the rear axle corrosion mentioned in the 2024 MOT.
Negotiate based on the potential upcoming maintenance requirements. Check the service history for evidence of oil leak repairs, as this has been a recurring advisory since 2021. Ensure that the brake discs and pads, which have been flagged as worn or pitted in previous tests, have been fully replaced rather than just adjusted.
As a 1.9L diesel, this Passat is likely to offer decent fuel economy on long journeys, though actual figures will depend on maintenance. Tax and insurance groups for a 2003 model are typically moderate, but the high mileage may influence insurance premiums.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and mileage are expected to be higher due to the frequency of component replacements seen in the MOT history, such as steering components and braking systems. Budget for regular servicing and potential repairs to ageing rubber and suspension parts.
Prioritise a close inspection of the underside of the vehicle. The 2024 MOT noted rear axle corrosion and the 2021 record noted a corroded brake hose ferrule; you must check the extent of this structural oxidation.
Examine the engine bay for signs of the oil leak noted in both 2021 and 2024. Additionally, check the condition of the drive shaft CV boots and the steering rack/track rod ends, as these have been consistent points of failure or advisory in the recent history. Finally, verify the condition of the headlamp lenses, which were flagged as defective in 2023.
This 2003 Volkswagen Passat is a high-mileage diesel example with 205,445 miles recorded at its last MOT. The MOT history shows a pattern of wear-related failures, including issues with brake discs, track rod ends, and drive shaft components. While it passed its most recent test in November 2024, the presence of oil leaks and corrosion indicates an ageing vehicle with significant usage.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being headlamps, tyres, and drive shaft joints.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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