2021 Volkswagen Passat SEL TSI EVO S-A 1.5L Petrol · RV71 TNU

With only two MOT tests on file, both of which returned a clean pass with no advisories recorded, this Volkswagen Passat presents a sparse but unblemished formal roadworthiness record. The most recent test on 2 December 2025 and the prior one on 2 December 2024 both concluded without any defects, meaning no component wear, corrosion, fluid leaks, or exhaust concerns have been flagged by the examiner across consecutive annual assessments. The absence of recorded advisories is notable for a DSG-equipped vehicle of this age, as dual-clutch mechatronic issues, suspension bush wear, and brake disc lipping commonly appear on Passats once they pass the 60,000-mile threshold. That said, a two-test sample offers a limited longitudinal picture, and the clean outcome should be treated as a snapshot rather than a guarantee of underlying mechanical condition. The recorded mileage of 66,714 miles on a 2021 vehicle equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 13,343 miles, which sits noticeably above the average for a five-year-old Passat of this class. Higher annual mileage of this nature typically accelerates wear on consumable and drivetrain items, including front brake pads and discs, DSG transmission fluid and mechatronic components, dual-mass flywheel integrity, and suspension bushes and coil springs. The 2024 and 2025 tests both recorded no odometer readings in the data provided, so any mileage progression between the two assessments cannot be verified directly, though the gap between tests is exactly twelve months, suggesting consistent usage rather than extended off-road periods. Buyers should be mindful that a high-mileage DSG gearbox warrants particular scrutiny, as these units can develop internal pressure issues, rough shifting between ratios, or mechatronic faults well before any external symptoms present on an MOT. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to examine on a physical inspection mirror the mileage profile rather than any specific MOT advisory. The front brakes should be inspected for disc lipping and pad material thickness, as high-mileage Passats frequently consume front pads and discs together. Listen during a test drive for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes, all of which are common wear items on this platform. The DSG gearbox should be tested thoroughly with a cold start and a slow creep manoeuvre, as well as progressive acceleration through each gear, listening for any juddering, slipping, or hesitation that could indicate clutch or mechatronic wear. During the test drive, particular attention should be paid to steering behaviour, as any pulling to one side, vibration through the wheel above 50 mph, or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps could point to worn top mounts, control arm bushes, or tracking issues not yet severe enough to fail an MOT. The 1.5 TSI engine should be checked from cold for any timing chain rattle, excessive oil consumption, or coolant loss, as these engines are known for timing chain stretch at higher mileages. On a hot start following a brief standstill, observe whether any warning lights relating to the emissions system or AdBlue (if fitted to this SEL variant) appear on the dashboard. Finally, given the clean MOT history but high annual mileage, a pre-purchase inspection by a Volkswagen or DSG specialist is strongly advisable to verify the condition of the transmission, clutch pack, and dual-mass flywheel, none of which are assessed during a standard MOT test.