2010 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · SC10 AEV

The 1968.0cc diesel engine in this Passat offers reasonable fuel economy for a large family saloon, though real-world figures will depend heavily on driving style and route profiles. Road tax falls into the standard UK VED bands for a 2010 diesel vehicle, and insurance should be moderate given the model's group rating.

Maintenance costs for a 16-year-old diesel car can be unpredictable, particularly with components such as suspension arms, shock absorbers, and braking systems that have previously required replacement or intervention. Estimated annual running costs—incorporating fuel, standard insurance, VED, and typical maintenance—are projected around £1,400 to £1,800, subject to individual circumstances.

Examine the front and rear suspension thoroughly, checking the anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, shock absorbers, and lower suspension arm bushes, as the 2026 test noted a serious fluid leak on the offside front shock absorber and excessive wear on the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage, while the 2025 test recorded a worn offside front lower suspension arm bush. Inspect the brake discs for pitting, corrosion, and wear, referencing the 2025 test where both front brake discs were flagged as worn and badly corroded.

Check all tyres for tread depth and uneven wear patterns, keeping in mind the 2025 failure where both rear tyres were worn below the 1.6mm legal limit down to the cord on the inside, accompanied by a recommendation for tracking adjustment. Finally, test all exterior lighting thoroughly, noting the recurring failures regarding position lamps and registration plate lamps across multiple MOT tests.