1987 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Petrol · D754 RKJ

The most recent MOT test on 30 September 2025 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory noting slight play in the offside rear wheel bearing. Looking at the trajectory of the recorded tests, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with some recurring underlying issues. The vehicle has accumulated three pass results in the last five tests, but the two failures in 2021 and 2022 and a further failure in 2023 point to periods where significant electrical and braking defects had to be remediated. Several advisories have also repeated across consecutive tests, particularly concerning tyre perishing and rear wheel bearing play, which suggests persistent areas of wear that have not yet been comprehensively addressed. The overall pattern indicates a car that is being maintained to a roadworthy standard, but with components on the rear axle that may be progressively worsening and electrical items that have shown intermittent reliability. The recorded mileage of 111,617 miles over an approximate 39-year working life equates to an average annual usage of around 2,862 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This pattern strongly suggests long periods of standing or only occasional use, interspersed with modest driving. While low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine and gearbox internals, it brings its own mechanical concerns. Standing vehicles are particularly susceptible to corrosion on brake discs, caliper seizure from stuck pistons, deterioration of rubber brake seals, and the natural perishing of tyres through age rather than wear. The MOT history itself bears this out, with advisories repeatedly flagging tyre cracking and perishing, and brake components showing age-related issues such as corroded brake pipes and insufficient pedal reserve travel. For a prospective buyer, a careful physical inspection and test drive should focus on the issues already highlighted in the MOT record. The recurring advisories for both rear wheel bearings indicate that play is present and will likely progress; on a road test, listen for a humming or rumbling noise that changes with vehicle speed and check for any wandering or instability from the rear axle. The 2025 advisory is for the offside bearing only, but the 2023 test noted similar play on both sides, so it is prudent to inspect the nearside rear as well, ideally by rocking the wheel and feeling for lateral movement. Brake pedal travel was flagged as insufficient in 2021, which on a classic vehicle of this age can indicate worn master cylinder internals, corroded brake pipes restricting fluid flow, or air ingress, so the pedal should be tested with the engine running for firmness and a solid feel. The stop lamp defects recorded as both not working and remaining on are typical of faulty brake light switches at the pedal, which are inexpensive to replace but should be verified as functional prior to purchase. Beyond the recorded defects, age-appropriate checks are essential given the low annual mileage and 39-year construction date. All four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with time and the advisory history confirms this is a known weakness on this car. Brake discs, particularly on a vehicle that has spent long periods stationary, are likely to exhibit surface corrosion; light rust is normal and will clear with use, but heavily pitted or lipped discs suggest the need for replacement. The 12V battery should be load tested, as a battery that has been chronically undercharged through short trips will have reduced capacity, and the cooling system should be checked for condition and age of the coolant, which requires renewal regardless of mileage. Finally, verify the integrity of the fuel system and check for any leaks from perished hoses, as well as confirming the timing belt replacement interval if fitted, and ensure that the service book contains evidence of regular oil and filter changes to offset the risks associated with infrequent use.