2016 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · YE16 TOJ

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness profile with a consistent passing record, though the maintenance trend shows a recurring pattern of neglect regarding consumable items. The most recent test on 23 June 2026 at 82,862 miles passed with a single advisory for light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. While this is a minor issue, it marks the first recorded suspension component fault in the recent history. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 8,286 miles per year. The data shows steady progression from 30,187 miles in May 2019 to 82,862 miles in June 2026. This regular usage pattern suggests the car has been driven frequently enough to avoid the degradation often seen in long-term stationary vehicles, though the MOT history indicates that basic upkeep of tyres has been frequently overlooked. A significant trend of tyre mismanagement is evident throughout the record. Between 2019 and 2025, the tester repeatedly flagged tyres that were either worn close to the legal limit or showing signs of cracking and perishing. Specifically, the 2023 test at 70,194 miles highlighted both front and rear tyres with edge wear and cracking, while the 2024 test at 75,090 miles noted front tyres worn on the edges. This pattern suggests the previous owner often waited until tyres were near failure before replacing them, which can lead to uneven wear and potential alignment issues. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the tyre condition and tread depth across all four corners to ensure the recent advisories have been addressed. The light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber noted in June 2026 warrants closer scrutiny to determine if the leak is progressing toward a full seal failure. Given the history of edge wear on tyres, checking the wheel alignment and the condition of suspension bushes would be a prudent step to ensure no underlying geometry issues exist.