2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · PD55 SJD

The most recent MOT, dated 7 May 2026, was a pass but was accompanied by a suite of advisories covering rear brake pads, rear suspension arm bushings, rear shock absorbers and both rear brake discs. The preceding test on 29 April 2026 resulted in a failure due to a fractured off‑side front coil spring, and earlier in 2025 the vehicle also failed for serious faults to the supplementary restraint system, horn and engine management indicator. Although the latest result is a pass, the pattern over the last three years shows a deterioration rather than an improvement, with recurring wear items and a major suspension failure that has yet to be rectified. At 124,639 mi the Passat has logged roughly 9,600 mi per annum, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope for a thirteen‑year‑old saloon. The mileage does not suggest extreme abuse, but the combination of moderate annual distance and the recorded failures points to periods of low utilisation punctuated by occasional high‑load use. Such a usage profile can accelerate wear on components that are not regularly exercised, notably the rear brake assembly and suspension bushings, while also allowing corrosion to develop on parts that sit idle for extended periods. A prospective buyer should give the rear braking system immediate attention. The off‑side rear pad is already thin and both rear discs are described as worn and pitted; expect reduced braking efficiency, a higher pedal travel and the potential for shudder under moderate braking. Inspect the pad thickness visually and measure disc run‑out; any excessive vibration or squeal on a test drive should be taken as a sign that the discs may need resurfacing or replacement together with new pads. The rear suspension arm pins and bushes are flagged as worn and the arm shows early corrosion – look for clunking or excessive play when applying load over bumps, and check for any oil seepage from the rear shock absorbers, which indicates internal leakage that will compromise ride quality and could lead to premature shock failure. Replacing the rear shocks and renewing the rear arm bushings would be prudent before committing to purchase. The off‑side front coil spring fracture recorded in April 2026 remains a serious safety concern; verify that the spring has been replaced and that the associated strut assembly is correctly rebuilt, as a missing or broken spring will cause a noticeable sag on the front corner and can affect steering geometry. The SRS warning, horn failure and engine MIL fault noted in the 2025 failure are also red‑flag items – obtain a diagnostic scan to confirm that the airbag control unit, horn circuit and engine management systems are now fault‑free, and ask for evidence of any remedial work. Given the vehicle’s age, examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, especially the near‑side rear tyre which was previously close to the legal limit, and assess the 12 V battery’s cranking performance and electrolyte condition. Finally, confirm that the service history includes timely changes of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid, as time‑based degradation can be as detrimental as mileage‑driven wear on a car of this vintage.