2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · WF57 KHM

The 2007 Volkswagen Passat presents a generally stable maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 28 May 2026 passing at 174,366 miles. While the vehicle has not failed a test since 2024, the record reveals a recurring pattern of minor wear and corrosion rather than a clean bill of health. The latest pass was not without advisories, and the tester flagged front brake pads wearing thin along with corrosion on both rear suspension arms. These are not critical failures, but they signal that the car is entering a phase where age-related deterioration is becoming more visible. The trend is neither sharply worsening nor fully resolving. Instead, it shows a vehicle that has been kept roadworthy but not necessarily proactively refurbished. The mileage accumulation sits at roughly 9,177 miles per year, which is typical for a car of this age. The annual increments are fairly consistent, moving from 165,291 miles in June 2023 to 168,275 by May 2024, then 170,777 by May 2025, and finally 174,366 by May 2026. There are no dramatic gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer that would suggest long periods of disuse or unusually heavy use. The annual test dates have also been regular, with no missed years visible in this window, which at least indicates the car has been kept in active use and presented for inspection consistently. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and braking system during any in-person inspection. The 2024 failure specifically cited an offside rear brake disc that was worn, pitted, and scored, along with a binding service brake on the same side. The fact that the rear suspension arms were flagged for corrosion in the 2026 test, described as corroded but not seriously weakened, suggests this area has been deteriorating over time rather than being repaired. Suspension bushes have also appeared as advisories, with the nearside front rear bush noted as worn in 2025. These are not isolated incidents. They point to a car that has likely spent years on the road without major suspension overhaul, and the corrosion advisory in particular warrants a thorough underside inspection for structural integrity. The front brake pads wearing thin in the most recent test is a consumable item, but combined with the 2024 rear brake disc and binding caliper issue, it raises a question about whether braking components have been replaced evenly across the axle. Tyre condition has also appeared more than once, with cracking and perishing noted on the nearside rear in 2025 and a general rear tyre advisory in 2024. These are minor in isolation but suggest basic upkeep may have been reactive rather than preventative. The door mechanism fault from 2024, where the driver's door could not be opened from outside, appears to have been resolved, but it is worth verifying that the central locking operates smoothly on all doors. Overall, the Passat appears mechanically sound for its age and mileage, but a buyer should budget for rear suspension work and a thorough brake inspection before committing.