2010 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · KN60 AAU

The most recent MOT test dated 1 October 2025 recorded a PASS outcome for this 2010 Volkswagen Passat, although four advisory items were noted by the DVSA examiner. These advisories cover inner front tyre wear approaching the legal limit on both sides and surface corrosion on the rear suspension arms, again on both sides. Looking at the broader five-year MOT history, the vehicle has passed each annual test without any failure or refusal, and the recorded defects are largely advisory in nature rather than progressive failures. However, the trend does suggest an accumulating wear pattern at the rear suspension and front axle components, with related advisories appearing in 2022, 2024 and 2025, which a prospective buyer should interpret as a vehicle entering a stage of its life where suspension and chassis refurbishment may soon be required. The recorded mileage of 110,081 miles over approximately sixteen years equates to an average annual mileage of around 6,880 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with mixed private and commuter use. There are no obvious gaps or sudden mileage jumps in the recorded history between 2021 and 2025, suggesting steady if modest usage. From a mechanical perspective, this level of annual mileage means the engine and drivetrain are unlikely to be excessively worn from high-load use, but the vehicle has clearly been used regularly enough to avoid the pitfalls associated with prolonged standing. Consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres and the battery will have been exercised, though the relatively low annual mileage also means that calendar-based degradation of fluids, rubbers and electrical components remains a relevant consideration on a car of this vintage. The recurring advisories relating to the rear suspension arms and brake discs, combined with the front suspension arm bush wear noted in 2024 and the front tyre edge wear recorded in 2025, point to an accumulating chassis and running gear wear profile. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, as corroded arm assemblies will progressively lose rigidity and may eventually require renewal. Brake pedal feel should be smooth without any shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under moderate deceleration, which would indicate the pitted rear discs have worsened to the point of needing machining or replacement. The front tyre edge wear pattern is often symptomatic of incorrect camber or worn suspension bushes allowing the wheel alignment to drift, so a four-wheel alignment check and inspection of the front strut top mounts, lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links would be prudent. Uneven or feathering wear across the front tyres would suggest that the 2024 advisory on the offside front arm bush has progressed and now demands closer inspection. Beyond the recorded advisories, a car of this age and mileage warrants a broader physical inspection regardless of its clean MOT history. The 12V battery is now well beyond its typical service life and should be load tested, as voltage drop can cause starting issues and dashboard electrical gremlins common to this era of Volkswagen. Brake fluid and coolant should have been changed on a time rather than mileage basis, with brake fluid particularly susceptible to moisture absorption after three to four years, and the condition of these fluids should be verified against the service book. The exhaust system, including the centre and rear silencers plus the flexible joint, is vulnerable to internal corrosion on a sixteen-year-old vehicle and should be physically inspected for blowing joints or rattling. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking or perishing from age even if the tread depth remains legal, and the spare or inflation kit should be checked. Finally, given the rear subframe corrosion advisories already present, a thorough examination of the underbody, including wheel arches, sills and suspension mounting points, is strongly recommended before purchase to ensure structural integrity remains sound.