2009 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · FY09 RVE

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding suspension-related wear. While the most recent test in June 2025 at 197,523 miles passed, it identified play in three separate anti-roll bar linkage ball joints across the offside front and nearside rear. This represents a progression from the May 2024 test where only the nearside front joint was flagged, indicating that multiple suspension components are now reaching the end of their functional life. At 197,523 miles over 17 years, this Passat averages approximately 11,600 miles per annum, which aligns with typical national averages for a vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent annual usage, with roughly 6,500 miles covered between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 2,672 miles between May 2024 and June 2025. This steady accumulation suggests the car is used regularly rather than sitting stationary, which helps prevent components. A physical inspection must focus on the entire suspension assembly, as the recurring failures of anti-roll bar linkages suggest broader wear. The failure in 2023 due to exposed cords on the nearside rear tyre and the 2024 failure for insufficient tread depth further indicate a pattern of neglect regarding basic consumable maintenance. A buyer should check for uneven tyre wear which may indicate alignment issues or worn ball joints, and inspect the underbody for structural corrosion which is a common risk on high-mileage examples of this specific Volkswagen chassis.