2016 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · P88 RAD

A clear pattern of front brake disc wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 2016 Volkswagen Passat, with the same component flagged in both 2023 and 2024 before the vehicle most recently passed a clean test on 20 October 2025 with no defects recorded. The single Major failure on 23 August 2023 centred on an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush, a component failure that warrants particular attention given that this Passat has covered substantial mileage over its ten year life. The intervening tests in September 2022 and September 2024 both returned pass results, and the clean October 2025 outcome suggests that, in the immediate short term, the vehicle is currently roadworthy. However, the recurrence of brake disc advisories and the front suspension failure indicate that the wear pattern is concentrated in the front axle, which is consistent with the higher than average mileage accumulation this car has experienced. At 176,022 miles over roughly a decade, this Passat has averaged around 17,600 miles per year, a notably high annual figure for a family saloon of this age. This level of usage means that consumable components such as brake pads and discs, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and engine ancillaries will have been subjected to significantly more wear cycles than a lower mileage equivalent. The MOT testing record shows annual or near annual submissions with no extended lay-up gaps, confirming that the vehicle has been in continuous regular service rather than off the road. Mechanically, this profile typically translates to a car whose major service items are likely due or recently addressed, and a buyer should expect that clutch, dual mass flywheel, or timing chain components may be approaching the latter stages of their expected service life depending on the powertrain variant. The combination of high mileage and the front axle wear history means that a thorough inspection of drivetrain condition is essential before purchase. For the front brake discs that have been flagged repeatedly, on a test drive listen for any scraping or grinding noise under light braking and feel for vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal, as scored or pitted discs often produce a noticeable judder under firm application. Inspect the discs visually through the wheel spokes for a pronounced lip at the outer edge or visible scoring across the friction surface, both of which indicate the discs are nearing replacement thickness. The offside front suspension arm pin or bush that triggered the 2023 Major defect is a critical wear item on these vehicles, so during a test drive pay particular attention to any clonking or knocking noise from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces. Sloppiness or vagueness in the steering, particularly around the straight ahead position, can also indicate worn front suspension linkages, and uneven tyre wear on the inside or outside shoulders of the front tyres would be a strong secondary indicator that the bush replacement has been completed correctly or that further wear has developed. Beyond the items specifically flagged, the high mileage warrants a careful check of the engine for any signs of oil leaks from the cam chain area or from the sump, as well as listening for any timing chain rattle on a cold start. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake lines, and suspension components, paying particular attention to the rear axle assemblies which can suffer corrosion on Passats operating in winter road salt conditions. Verify that the vehicle has a fully documented service history with evidence of cambelt or timing chain replacement at the manufacturer recommended interval, and confirm that the gearbox, whether manual or automatic DSG, shifts cleanly without shudder or hesitation. The 2023 advisory regarding a child seat preventing full inspection of the rear belt is not a mechanical concern but does confirm that the vehicle has been used as a family car, which aligns with its likely original market positioning.