2010 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FD10 XWE

The Volkswagen Passat’s MOT history presents an unusual but ultimately stable picture of roadworthiness, with the most recent tests—both the August 2025 failure and the subsequent September 2025 pass—showing no defects at all. This clean slate in the final two examinations suggests that whatever caused the failure was either trivial (e.g., a minor administrative oversight or a non-critical advisory) or swiftly rectified. The absence of any recurring advisories or defects over the past four years indicates no major mechanical degradation or neglect, though the lack of recorded issues makes it impossible to verify whether routine maintenance—such as suspension bush replacements, brake fluid renewal, or exhaust system checks—has been consistently addressed. The fact that the vehicle passed without fail for three consecutive years before the isolated 2025 failure further reinforces the impression of a well-maintained example, assuming the failure was not a false positive. The mileage accumulation of roughly 9,800 miles per year aligns closely with the average for a 16-year-old vehicle, suggesting neither excessive use nor prolonged disuse. The recorded mileages—from 151,897 in August 2022 to 156,801 in September 2025—show a steady and predictable increase, with no sudden spikes or prolonged gaps that might indicate storage or irregular usage. The 1,336-mile jump between the August 2024 and August 2025 tests (155,465 to 156,794) is typical for annual mileage, reinforcing the likelihood of consistent, moderate driving rather than sporadic or heavy use. The absence of mileage discrepancies between tests also rules out potential odometer tampering, a critical factor for buyers assessing long-term reliability. Given the complete lack of recorded defects or advisories in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components not covered by the MOT—particularly the suspension geometry, where worn bushes or degraded coil springs can compromise handling without triggering a test failure. The rear brakes should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as the 2025 failure could hint at a near-miss issue, though the subsequent pass suggests it was resolved. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, should be scrutinised for hidden corrosion, as the MOT does not always catch early-stage rust penetration. Finally, while the emissions system has not been flagged, a pre-purchase inspection should verify the condition of the DPF (if fitted) and exhaust mounts, as these can degrade silently over time. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but these areas remain the most vulnerable to deferred maintenance.