2018 Volkswagen Passat 1.4L Petrol · P25 DAE

A pattern of tyre deterioration across all four wheels and brake-related wear is the defining mechanical theme in this PassAT's MOT record, with the most recent pass on 23 April 2026 carrying advisories on every tyre for slight damage, cracking or perishing, alongside a note that the nearside rear brake disc is worn though not excessively. Looking back through the previous tests, the trend is one of gradually accumulating wear items rather than sudden failures: the 2025 pass flagged rear brake pads as wearing thin and recorded light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber, while the three earlier tests in 2023 and 2024 returned clean sheets with no advisories at all. The absence of any failures across five consecutive tests is a neutral data point, but the clustering of advisories in the last two examinations suggests that consumable components on this vehicle are now reaching the stage where proactive replacement is appropriate rather than further monitoring. With 61,917 miles recorded over roughly eight years, the annual accumulation sits at approximately 7,740 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates regular use rather than long-term standing or exceptionally high motorway mileage. The tests are spaced fairly evenly from 2023 through 2026 with no prolonged gaps in road use, so there is no period of lay-up that would typically raise concerns about seized brakes, perished rubber or a discharged drivetrain. At this mileage, wear on suspension bushes, brake discs and pads, tyres and exhaust mountings is expected, and the advisories logged align with that pattern rather than suggesting any abnormal degradation. For a prospective buyer, the tyre condition flagged on all four corners in the most recent test warrants close physical inspection before purchase, even though the defects were classed as advisory rather than failure items. Cracking or perishing on a 2018-vintage tyre set may indicate age-related rubber degradation rather than simply tread wear, so the production date stamps on the sidewalls should be checked, and any tyre older than around six years should be regarded as due for replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Equally, the nearside rear brake disc noted as worn warrants a visual check for a raised lip on the outer edge, a corroded or pitted surface, and confirmation that the disc thickness remains above the manufacturer minimum, as a disc worn close to limit alongside thinning rear pads points to imminent replacement cost. On the test drive, particular focus should be placed on the rear suspension, given the light oil misting recorded on the nearside rear shock absorber in 2025. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when travelling single-sided bumps, and pay attention to whether the body takes longer than expected to settle after a compression cycle, as either symptom would suggest the damper is no longer damping effectively. The braking system should be evaluated by firm pedal application at speed, watching for any pull to one side, vibration through the pedal, or a soft or spongy feel that could indicate a binding caliper or a flexing brake hose. Finally, given that all four tyres were flagged simultaneously, it is worth checking the steering for any vagueness or pulling, as uneven tyre wear or sidewall degradation can sometimes mask or mimic alignment issues, and a four-wheel alignment check combined with fresh rubber would be a sensible immediate investment on this vehicle.