2010 Volkswagen Passat 1.6L Diesel · RO10 SXU

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring suspension failures and progressive structural corrosion. While the car passed its most recent test in March 2024 at 158,132 miles, the record reveals a history of reactive repairs rather than preventative maintenance. The transition from a failure in early 2024 to a pass just one mile later suggests the owner only addressed immediate MOT defects without resolving the underlying degradation of the rear suspension assembly. At 158,132 miles, this 16-year-old Passat has averaged approximately 10,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical annual usage. However, the data shows a significant gap of 4,000 miles between June 2022 and March 2023, followed by a period of higher use that likely accelerated the wear on components. The two-year gap since the 2024 MOT means the vehicle is currently overdue for its annual inspection, increasing the risk of undetected failure in aging rubber and metal components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame and suspension arms. The tester repeatedly flagged corrosion on the sub-frame and arms in 2024, and although these were not deemed seriously weakened at the time, rust on a vehicle of this age often accelerates rapidly. The worn trailing arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages indicate that the suspension geometry is likely compromised, which is evidenced by the consistent uneven tyre wear noted across multiple tests. Attention should also be paid to the braking system, as corrosion on the brake hose ferrule was noted in 2022. Given the history of fractured coil springs and exposed tyre cords, the vehicle appears to have been operated with components nearing critical failure. Any prospective buyer should verify the structural integrity of the sills and ensure that the corrosion on the sub-frame has not progressed into a structural failure during the last two years.