Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140 (2006)
2006 Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140
CarHunch analysed 113 real MOT records for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2006 Passat S TDI 140 is a significant reliability concern: just 49% pass on the first attempt versus the UK average of 80%, and nearly every vehicle averages 0.78 failures per test. The good news is that dangerous defects are absent from this cohort, so while repairs are frequent, they're not safety-critical.
At nearly 160,000 miles median mileage, these cars are genuinely tired, and the near-zero advisory count suggests inspectors are only flagging outright failures rather than early warnings—a sign of worn components that need replacement rather than maintenance. If you're considering one, factor in immediate mechanical work and budget for a pre-purchase inspection focused on the engine, transmission, and suspension systems typical of high-mileage TDIs.
What to check before buying a 2006 Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2006 Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2006 Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140 vehicles fall between 139,964 and 177,309 miles.
2006 Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 (14% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2024.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Volkswagen Passat S TDI 140: