2011 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · RO61 YDL

The 2011 Volkswagen Passat presents a stable mechanical baseline, though the most recent MOT on 2025-10-02 at 174,237 miles reveals a notable deterioration in consumable condition compared to preceding years. Between 2022 and 2024, the vehicle passed without any defects, indicating sound structural and mechanical integrity during that period. However, the October 2025 test flagged all four tyres as worn close to the legal limit, with the fronts particularly marginal at 1.6mm and showing edge wear. This suggests a lapse in routine maintenance over the last eight months, as the previous owner allowed critical consumables to degrade significantly rather than replacing them in a timely manner. Accumulating 174,237 miles over fifteen years equates to roughly 11,616 miles annually, a typical usage pattern for this age of vehicle. The MOT records show consistent, if slightly reducing, annual mileage. The interval from October 2021 to October 2022 saw 5,821 miles covered, while the subsequent years up to 2024 recorded around 8,500 miles each. The most recent period from October 2024 to October 2025 saw 7,510 miles added. There are no alarming gaps in the test history that suggest the vehicle stood idle for extended periods, pointing instead to regular, sustained use. A buyer should thoroughly inspect the suspension and steering components before purchase. The recurring tyre wear advisories, specifically the edge wear noted on the front tyres in 2021 and again in 2025, often point to worn suspension bushes or tracking issues rather than simple neglect. While the rear tyres also showed edge wear in 2025, the fronts were critically low at 1.6mm. Check the inner and outer sidewalls for perishing and have a technician assess the condition of the coil springs, drop links, and suspension bushes. Though the MOT record lacks braking or exhaust defects, the recent tyre degradation warrants a close measurement of the brake discs and pads to ensure even wear, alongside a verification of the wheel alignment to prevent the premature edge wear from continuing on any new rubber fitted.