2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · VE18 ACF

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 23 December 2025 at 150 712 miles with no defects recorded, meeting the minimum roadworthiness standards at that inspection. The preceding test only three days earlier on 20 December 2025 failed on suspension, child‑seat, tyre, and brake items, indicating those faults were rectified and the car retested promptly. This pattern of same‑day passes and failures suggests a reactive maintenance approach rather than consistent preventive care. The car is eight years old (2018‑2026) yet carries 150 712 miles, averaging roughly 19 000 miles per year—an elevated rate for its age. MOT entries are spaced about 11‑12 months apart, providing a fairly continuous wear record. Mileage progressed from 36 249 miles in May 2021 to 56 692 miles in May 2022, 85 870 miles in April 2023, 116 684 miles in April 2024, 137 074 miles in January 2025, and finally 150 712 miles by December 2025, showing steady accumulation without significant gaps. A buyer should inspect the front suspension assembly closely; two separate failures (May 2022 and December 2025) flagged excessive wear on the lower arm ball joint and front suspension arm, indicating possible bush degradation. The brake system requires thorough checking: rear pads were below 1.5 mm and discs showed pitting in the latest failure, so pad thickness and disc surface condition must be verified. Tyre condition is critical; both front tyres showed tread depth under 1.6 mm and rear tyres exhibited structural bulges in April 2023, so tread depth, edge wear and sidewall integrity need close examination. The child‑seat belt inspection issue noted in December 2025 should be revisited to confirm the belt can be fully inspected without obstruction. Finally, the advisory on rear shock absorber oil mist in April 2024 suggests checking for fluid leaks and the condition of suspension bushes, as oil mist can indicate internal wear or seal failure.