2022 Volkswagen Passat SEL TSI EVO S-A 1.5L Petrol · VN72 WNG

High annual mileage coupled with a recent history of critical safety failures defines the current mechanical profile of this vehicle. The most recent MOT test on 02 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but this follows a significant failure just five days prior on 27 November 2025. That failure was severe, involving dangerous defects regarding nearside and offside front tyre tread depths falling below the 1.6mm legal limit, alongside a major fault involving the supplementary restraint system warning lamp. While the latest record shows a pass, the recent occurrence of both tyre degradation and airbag system warnings indicates a need for close scrutiny of safety-critical systems. The vehicle has covered 97,940 miles in approximately four years, representing an average annual accumulation of roughly 24,485 miles. This high-intensity usage pattern suggests the car has been used extensively for long-distance motorway driving rather than short urban trips. Mechanically, this level of mileage accelerates the wear on consumable components such as brake discs, pads, and suspension bushes, and increases the likelihood of premature fatigue in drivetrain components. The rapid mileage accumulation means that while the car may have avoided the pitfalls of long periods of inactivity, it has been subjected to constant mechanical stress and high-frequency component cycles. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough investigation into the supplementary restraint system following the major failure recorded in November 2025. The presence of a fault lamp indicates a malfunction in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner circuitry that must be electronically diagnosed to ensure the safety systems are fully operational. During a test drive, pay close attention to the dashboard for any illuminated warning lights, specifically the SRS or airbag symbol, which must remain extinguished. Additionally, given the recent dangerous failures regarding tyre tread, the current condition of all four tyres should be inspected for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate underlying issues with wheel alignment or suspension geometry. The advisory regarding items obstructing the driver's view from the rear-view mirror is a minor compliance matter, but the mechanical focus should remain on the high-mileage implications for the chassis. Given the heavy usage, listen for any rhythmic knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could signal worn suspension linkages or dampers. Furthermore, check for any steering pull or vibrations through the steering wheel at motorway speeds, as the combination of high mileage and recent tyre issues necessitates verifying that the steering and suspension components are still maintaining correct alignment and structural integrity.