2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · RE12 PRV

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status having passed its most recent inspection on 5 August 2025 at 219,596 miles. The maintenance trend appears stable as the car has consistently cleared the test following initial failures in the previous two years. The absence of advisories on the 2025 certificate suggests that the previous owner was proactive in addressing identified defects prior to the test date, preventing the accumulation of minor wear items into major mechanical failures. The mileage profile is high for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 15,700 miles per year. Between August 2023 and August 2024, the car covered 7,273 miles, but it accelerated to 12,485 miles in the following year leading to the August 2025 test. This fluctuation in usage indicates a return to heavy motorway driving, which typically places significant stress on drivetrain components and suspension bushings. The consistent annual testing interval suggests the vehicle is in regular use rather than sitting for long periods. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the suspension arm bushes and coil springs given the high mileage. At over 210,000 miles, rubber components in the Passat are prone to fatigue and tearing. While the MOT record shows no defects, the buyer must verify the brake disc thickness and caliper movement to ensure no binding issues have developed despite the clean pass. Checking the structural integrity of the subframe and exhaust mounting for corrosion is also essential as high-mileage vehicles often face increased exposure to road salt which accelerates oxidation over a decade.