2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Petrol · R21 MAS

The vehicle presents a concerning trend regarding tyre and suspension maintenance, specifically focused on the rear axle. In the most recent test in October 2025 at 96,737 miles, the tester failed due to both rear tyres being very worn inside, with the nearside tyre showing exposed cords. This follows a pattern seen in the October 2024 test at 82,240 miles, where the offside front tyre was at the legal limit. The recurring nature of excessive inner tyre wear suggests either a persistent alignment issue or a failure by the previous owner to replace consumables before they reached critical failure. The mileage progression is relatively consistent for a 2018 model, averaging approximately 12,000 miles per year. Between the May 2022 test at 49,239 miles and the October 2025 test at 96,737 miles, the car covered over 47,000 miles. While the vehicle passed its tests in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the failure in 2025 indicates a breakdown in basic proactive maintenance as the mileage climbed. The chip in the windscreen noted in 2023 remains a minor cosmetic concern that did not impact the structural integrity during those specific tests. A buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the rear suspension geometry, checking for worn bushes and the structural integrity of the subframe. The consistent inner wear on the tyres often points to worn control arms or incorrect camber settings. Additionally, the offside rear brake pads have shown signs of thinning across multiple years, so the current state of the discs and calipers should be verified to ensure they are not binding or pitted. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy following the recent repairs, the history of repeated tyre-related failure necessitates a professional alignment check to prevent further premature damage to new rubber.