2010 Volkswagen Passat 1.6L Diesel · HG60 OCF

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. The most recent test in December 2024 at 170,865 miles resulted in a pass with only a minor advisory regarding a damaged tyre. This represents a slight improvement compared to the previous year where the vehicle failed on multiple mechanical and safety issues. The overall trend suggests that the owner only addresses faults once they reach the point of an annual MOT failure. At 170,865 miles, this 16-year-old Passat averages approximately 10,679 miles per year, which aligns with typical national averages for a vehicle of this age. The mileage accumulation between tests is consistent, with roughly 1,744 miles covered between December 2023 and December 2024, and 1,577 miles between December 2022 and 2023. This steady usage pattern suggests the car is used regularly, which generally prevents seals from seizing and components from seizing. A buyer must scrutinise the front suspension specifically, as the December 2022 test flagged both front lower suspension arms for excessively worn rear bushes. While these were likely replaced, the subsequent failure of the offside rear coil spring in December 2023 indicates that the suspension system is under significant stress or nearing exhaustion. The record also shows a recurring issue with tyre quality, with three consecutive years highlighting uneven wear or perishing rubber. This suggests either poor wheel alignment or a tendency to run tyres down until they are structurally compromised. The physical inspection should focus on checking for further wear in the suspension geometry and verifying the integrity of the remaining coil springs for corrosion. Given the history of fractured springs and worn bushes, a test drive should identify any lingering knocks or uneven handling. Attention should also be paid to the headlamp lenses, which were noted as defective in 2023, to ensure they have not become clouded or degraded. The recurring nature of the tyre faults implies the buyer should request a recent wheel alignment report prior to purchase.