2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · SA12 NKH

The most recent MOT test on 18 February 2026 at 98,910 miles shows the vehicle passed, but only after an initial failure on the same date. The fail was triggered by immediate safety risks: a tyre pressure monitoring system fault, non-functioning rear lights, a cracked exhaust clamp, and a near-separated anti-roll bar linkage. The pass record confirms these were rectified, but it carries a dense list of advisories, including worn suspension bushes, corroded sub-frame and suspension arms, a distorted rear wheel, and a deteriorated CV boot. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening; corrosion and component wear have been flagged across multiple years without evidence of proactive replacement. Mileage increased from 71,905 in January 2024 to 86,008 in February 2025, then to 98,910 in February 2026. This represents annual mileage of roughly 14,000 miles between the first two tests and 12,900 in the latest year, higher than the vehicle's lifetime average. There are no gaps in the record, and the pattern suggests steady mixed-use driving rather than prolonged storage. For a buyer, the primary concerns lie in the suspension and structural corrosion. The rear sub-frame has been noted as corroded since the 2024 test, and suspension arms show repeated corrosion advisories. Both front lower suspension arm bushes are split, and the offside front ball joint was severely worn in the 2026 fail. The brake discs are scored, rear pads were wearing thin in 2024, and the offside rear wheel is slightly distorted. The front wings and rear shock absorber casings are corroded. Any purchase should be contingent on a professional inspection of these components, especially the sub-frame and suspension linkages, as these suggest the vehicle has been operated in a corrosive environment with deferred renewal of wearing parts.