2009 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · GF09 XEB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding structural integrity and suspension components. While the most recent test in December 2025 at 126,584 miles passed, it followed a failure just two miles prior due to a defective wiper and an illegally worn rear tyre. The presence of corrosion on the nearside rear suspension mounting area has persisted across multiple tests, indicating that while the rust is not yet at a failure point, it is not being treated. At approximately 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 126,584 miles represents an average of roughly 7,400 miles per year, which is consistent with typical domestic usage. The data shows steady annual mileage accumulation, with approximately 5,000 miles driven between the December 2024 and December 2025 tests. This regularity suggests the car is not sitting for long periods, though the low mileage does not offset the-related degradation of rubber components and the ongoing oxidation observed on the chassis. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the underbody, specifically focusing on the rear suspension assembly. The 2024 failure highlighted both nearside and offside lower suspension arms as seriously weakened by corrosion, and although these were likely replaced or repaired to pass the subsequent test, the recurring mention of corrosion on the mounting areas in 2025 suggests the surrounding structural metal is vulnerable to rust. Check for any bubbling paint on the inner sills or thinning of the mounting brackets. The consistent history of tyres worn to the legal limit or below suggests a reactive approach to maintenance, where consumables are only addressed when an MOT failure is imminent. The buyer should verify the remaining depth of all four tyres and inspect the suspension bushes for signs of further tearing, as these were flagged as worn in 2024. Given the age of the vehicle and the identified corrosion issues, the structural integrity of the rear sub remains the most critical aspect of this Passat.