2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · RL02 XOM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward mechanical degradation. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 144,923 miles, the tester identified a significant number of advisories related to the suspension and braking systems. This represents a departure from the clean record seen in August 2024, indicating that components are now reaching the end of their functional life and require proactive attention. At 144,923 miles, this 24-year-old Passat averages approximately 6,000 miles per year, which is consistent with low-mileage usage for its age. The data shows steady annual travel, with roughly 4,800 miles covered between July 2023 and August 2024, and another 4,300 miles between August 2024 and August 2025. Despite the low mileage, the chronological age has clearly impacted the rubber and metal components more than the distance itself. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the front and rear suspension geometry. The August 2025 test flagged multiple worn bushes and pins on the suspension arms alongside a severely deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the offside front. These issues, combined with previous failures of anti-roll bar linkages in 2024, suggest the front end is suffering from significant wear. The presence of a worn nearside rear sub-frame bush also necessitates a close look for structural corrosion to ensure the chassis remains uncompromised. The braking system also shows signs of neglect. The most recent inspection noted binding calipers on both the offside front and offside rear, which follows advisories for pitted and scored discs back in 2023. Given that the offside rear tyres were also near the legal limit and showing signs of perishing in 2025, the buyer should budget for a full brake overhaul and tyre replacement to ensure the vehicle operates safely.