2009 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · T70 BAY

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring failures to address underlying mechanical and electronic faults. While it passed its most recent MOT in January 2026 at 126,328 miles, this followed an immediate failure for multiple critical defects. The persistence of an inoperative Malfunction Indicator Light across both the 2023 and 2026 tests suggests a neglect of diagnostic engine management issues. The history indicates a reactive approach to repairs, where the owner only addresses components upon a test failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 126,328 miles represents an annual average of approximately 7,400 miles, which is consistent with typical UK usage for this age. However, the data shows a significant gap in testing between December 2023 and January 2025, where the car covered only 3,400 miles in thirteen months. The subsequent surge of over 6,000 miles in the year leading up to the January 2026 test likely accelerated the degradation of the rubber components and suspension elements now visible in the latest record. A buyer must prioritise inspecting the structural integrity of the rear sub-frame, as the tester noted corrosion in both 2025 and 2026. While currently classified as not seriously weakened, corrosion on these components tends to progress over time. The suspension system also shows clear signs of wear, with worn arm bushes and track rod end dust covers appearing across multiple test years. The nearside outer drive shaft boot, flagged as severely deteriorated in January 2026, requires immediate verification to ensure no grease loss has occurred, which would lead to imminent CV joint failure.