2010 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L Diesel · VO10 AEJ

This Volkswagen Passat has maintained a consistently clean MOT record over the past three annual tests, with the most recent inspection on 2 July 2025 at 148,430 miles showing no defects whatsoever. The single failure in June 2022 at 134,907 miles—without any recorded issues—is an anomaly rather than a trend, suggesting either a procedural error or a minor oversight that was swiftly corrected. The stability of the last three passes, each covering roughly 5,800–6,000 miles of driving, indicates the vehicle has been well maintained in critical areas, with no recurring advisories or major wear patterns emerging. That said, the absence of any recorded defects does not preclude the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, as MOT tests focus narrowly on road legality rather than long-term component health. The mileage accumulation of approximately 9,277 miles per year aligns closely with the average for a 16-year-old vehicle, suggesting neither extreme neglect nor excessive use. The most recent 5,847-mile interval between the 2024 and 2025 tests is typical, while the 2,372-mile gap between the 2022 failure and the subsequent pass in July 2022 is unusually tight—though this may simply reflect a quick re-test after rectification. There are no red flags in the mileage data to suggest structural abuse or prolonged disuse, but the lack of advisories on items like suspension bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers does not guarantee their current condition. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on components not routinely checked during MOTs, particularly the suspension—specifically the front lower arms, track rod ends, and rear shock absorbers—given the vehicle’s age. The brakes, while not flagged, should be tested for uneven wear or binding, especially the rear calipers, which are prone to corrosion and seizing over time. Exhaust emissions and the DPF (if fitted) warrant scrutiny, as diesel models of this era often suffer from blocked filters or EGR issues that don’t always trigger MOT failures. Structural integrity is less of a concern given the Passat’s reputation for rust resistance, but a close inspection of the wheel arches, sills, and underbody for hidden corrosion is prudent. The clean MOT history is encouraging, but this car’s true condition hinges on what lies beneath the surface.