2011 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · RF11 FFH

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a worsening trend in mechanical maintenance, evidenced by a significant failure in July 2025. While the most recent test on 10 July 2025 at 139,196 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle carried over several advisories from a heavy failure just five days prior. These advisories include corrosion on both front Macpherson struts and pitted brake discs on both the front and rear axles. The transition from a clean record in 2023 to multiple suspension and tyre failures in 2025 suggests a period of neglected upkeep. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a typical 15-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,280 miles per year. The record shows a steady increase from 117,628 miles in July 2023 to 139,196 miles in July 2025. This incremental growth indicates regular usage rather than long periods of inactivity. However, the sudden cluster of failures in July 2025 at 138,975 miles suggests that the vehicle may have been driven on worn consumables, such as tyres and suspension components, for an extended period before being presented for testing. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history shows recurring issues with lower suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, which failed in both 2024 and 2025. The presence of corrosion on the Macpherson struts, while not currently classified as a serious structural weakness, requires close monitoring to ensure it does not progress into a major failure. The repeated mentions of pitted and scored brake discs across multiple years indicate that the braking hardware is nearing the end of its service life. Immediate attention should also be given to the reported oil leak and the SRS warning lamp fault noted during the July 2025 failure. Although the oil leak was described as not excessive, its emergence alongside multiple suspension faults suggests a lack of preventative maintenance. Any inspection should include a check of the under tray and wheel arch liner integrity, as damage was flagged in the most recent test. The buyer should also verify that the airbag system fault has been professionally rectified, as this remains a significant safety concern.