1987 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L Petrol · D216 OON

The 1987 Volkswagen Golf is currently roadworthy, having passed the most recent MOT on 16 September 2025 at 91 379 miles. The test flagged a handful of faults – mainly lighting and minor wear – suggesting that the vehicle’s maintenance trend is slightly improving compared with the 9 September 2025 failure, which listed a far larger array of problems. Nevertheless, the persistence of issues such as wheel‑bearing play, hand‑brake cable wear and lighting failures indicates that the car still requires regular attention. Mileage figures show a very low annual average of roughly 2 300 miles, which is unusual for a vehicle of this age. The record jumps from 90 080 miles in July 2007 to 90 355 miles in January 2023, a 275‑mile gain over 15 years, implying the car was either stored or not registered for a long period. Subsequent mileage increments – 109 miles to May 2024 and 911 miles to September 2025 – are modest, reflecting light use. The sparse MOT history between 2007 and 2023 limits insight into the vehicle’s condition during that interval. A buyer should focus on the recurring mechanical and safety faults that appear repeatedly. Suspension components are a major concern: the Macpherson strut top bush and lower arm pin have been flagged for excessive wear, and the anti‑roll bar has been modified unsafely. Brake system integrity is also problematic – service brake lag, inadequate effort, and damaged brake pipes have been recorded. Lighting and electrical issues recur: multiple headlamps, side repeaters, reverse lamps, and the horn fail or are improperly wired. Structural wear such as wheel‑bearing play, hand‑brake cable casing damage, and low tyre tread should be inspected. Corrosion or rust on the chassis and exhaust, especially the blue‑smoke emission noted in 2007, warrants a visual check. Finally, the vehicle is heavily modified; verifying that all alterations comply with safety and regulatory standards is essential. In summary, while the car is legally roadworthy, its long history of lighting, suspension, and brake faults, combined with sparse maintenance records, means a prospective buyer should perform a thorough mechanical inspection, prioritising the suspension, braking, and electrical systems, before committing to purchase.