2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · CN04 AEG

The most recent MOT on 28 April 2026 at 114,950 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester flagged the nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and noted all tyres showing signs of perishing. Earlier tests reveal a pattern of recurring advisories for tyre wear, perishing and corrosion of rear coil springs and brake pipes, with occasional failures linked to brake pipe corrosion, suspension bush wear and emissions exceedances. These faults have persisted since at least 2018, indicating a stable but deteriorating condition rather than an improving trend. At twenty‑two years old the car has accumulated only 114,950 recorded miles, averaging roughly five thousand two hundred miles per year, which is low for its age. The mileage log shows long periods of little change, for example between April 2021 and April 2022 the odometer moved less than four hundred miles, suggesting the vehicle spent considerable time standing. Such low use can accelerate corrosion of exposed components while limiting wear on consumables. A prospective buyer should examine the rear coil springs for rust and loss of strength, inspect the front and rear suspension arm bushes and ball joint dust covers for cracking or looseness, and check the brake pipes especially on the nearside rear for corrosion or grease covering. Tyres need close scrutiny for tread depth, sidewall cracking and perishing, and the track rod ends and drive shaft constant velocity boots should be looked at for deterioration. Although recent emissions tests have passed, a quick sniff test for exhaust smoke can confirm the engine remains within limits.