2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · RE62 ABZ

The Volkswagen Passat’s most recent MOT test on 29 September 2025—just ten months ago at 101,837 miles—confirmed full compliance with all roadworthiness criteria, with no defects or advisories recorded. This marks the fourth consecutive annual pass without failings, suggesting the vehicle has maintained consistent mechanical integrity under regular servicing. The absence of recurring advisories or defects implies that major systems—brakes, suspension, exhaust, and structural components—have been either well-maintained or replaced as needed. However, the single failure in September 2024 at 95,881 miles, despite being retested and passing the following day, warrants scrutiny of whether this was a procedural oversight or an undetected issue at the time. The mileage progression reveals a steady accumulation of approximately 6,000 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no prolonged gaps or abrupt spikes in mileage, though the retest in early September 2024—just six days after the initial failure—indicates either a quick resolution or a minor, easily rectifiable issue. The consistency suggests the vehicle has not been left unused for extended periods, which could otherwise accelerate wear on fluids, seals, and suspension components. Still, the lack of service records means potential hidden issues in less visible areas, such as timing belts, fuel injectors, or differential fluid, cannot be confirmed. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which are common wear points on this model. The brakes, though never flagged, should be disassembled to check for uneven wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on the rear discs—especially if the 2024 failure hinted at a brake-related concern. Structural integrity is another critical area; the underbody, wheel arches, and sills should be examined for corrosion, as rust can compromise the chassis over time. Finally, the exhaust system’s integrity should be verified, as catalytic converter failures or leaks are not uncommon in this model range and often go unnoticed until emissions tests fail.