2014 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · TM10 AND

The most recent MOT on 15 September 2025 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the six‑year MOT record, however, there is a clear pattern of recurring advisories centred on the braking system, with each year from 2020 to 2024 noting front and rear discs that are worn, pitted or scored, and a front‑pad wear advisory in 2019. The suspension arm pin or bush advisory in 2020 and the near‑limit front tyre tread warning in 2024 also suggest that while the car has remained roadworthy, the wear on key consumables is progressing rather than improving, pointing to a maintenance trend that is stable but requires imminent component replacement to avoid future failures. At 107,198 miles for a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 8,900 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate prolonged periods of inactivity, and the relatively modest annual distance suggests that the drivetrain, engine and transmission have not been subjected to excessive stress. Nevertheless, the cumulative mileage means that wear items such as brake discs, pads, tyres, suspension bushings and engine fluids are now approaching the point where age‑related degradation will combine with mileage wear, so proactive inspection is advisable. Prospective buyers should concentrate on the braking system. The repeated disc advisories mean the discs are likely approaching the end of their service life; look for visible scoring, rust spots or uneven wear on both front and rear rotors, and listen for a high‑pitched squeal or a pulsating pedal under hard braking, which can signal warped discs or thinning pads. A thorough test‑drive should include progressive braking from moderate speed to confirm that the pedal feel remains firm and that there is no judder. If the pads are already thin, they will need replacement soon, and fitting new discs and pads together is the most cost‑effective approach. The front tyre flagged as close to the legal tread limit should be measured; if the tread depth is below 1.6 mm or shows uneven wear patterns, replacement is mandatory for safety and to maintain correct brake balance. The suspension arm pin or bush advisory from 2020 suggests that at least one front suspension bush may be nearing the end of its functional life. During a drive, pay attention to any clunking or knocking noises when passing bumps or during cornering, and check for excessive wheel play by rocking the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Inspect the rear bushings for signs of cracking or oil seepage, as worn bushes can lead to mis‑alignment and uneven tyre wear. Given the vehicle’s age, also examine the condition of the tyres for sidewall cracking or dry rot, verify that the 12 V battery holds charge under load, and confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals, as time‑based fluid degradation can affect cooling and braking performance even on a car with modest mileage. A full service history and recent fluid analysis will give further confidence in the car’s long‑term reliability.