2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L Petrol · EF51 BKN
2001 Volkswagen Golf (1.8L, petrol). First registered 05 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 87,437 miles. MOT expired on 09 Aug 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 09 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 87,437 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EF51 BKN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/08/2025
- 87,437 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EF51 BKN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Golf (EF51 BKN) between June 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
EF51 BKN Mileage History
- 05/06/202385,055 mi
- 05/06/202385,055 mi
- 12/06/202486,496 mi+1,441 mi
- 12/06/202486,496 mi
- 11/08/202587,437 mi+941 mi
Average of roughly 1,090 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf Mk4 (1J)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L presents as a remarkably low-mileage classic hatch, though its MOT history reveals persistent recurring advisories that demand attention. Proceed with a thorough mechanical inspection, particularly checking the brake lines and suspension components noted in recent tests.
When inspecting this 2001 Golf, examine the physical condition of the rear brake pipes, which have been flagged as corroded and covered in grease across multiple annual tests from 2022 to 2025. Verify whether remedial work has been carried out on the offside rear coil spring, noted as corroded on the August 2025 test. You should also request a comprehensive service history to confirm that the timing belt, oil leaks noted in past tests (2017), and general servicing have been kept up to date.
Negotiate on the price by factoring in the inevitable replacement of aging rubber components and corrosion-prone metal pipes. Check that all electrical functions—particularly the ABS system, which caused a test failure in June 2024, and the various exterior lighting units that frequently featured in past MOT failures—are operating correctly. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage is strongly recommended to assess the structural integrity of the underside.
Equipped with a 1781cc petrol engine, this Golf falls into a higher VED tax bracket than modern ultra-low-emission vehicles, reflecting its 2001 vintage. Fuel economy will be modest by contemporary standards, typically returning around 35-40 mpg on mixed driving cycles given the older 1.8L engine architecture.
Insurance costs should be relatively affordable for most drivers as the vehicle sits in a modest insurance group for a 1.8-litre hatchback. Maintenance costs will largely depend on addressing age-related wear and tear, such as suspension bushes, brake lines, and minor oil leaks. Expect an estimated annual running cost in the region of £1,200 to £1,500, factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and routine upkeep.
Pay close attention to the rear brake pipes, which have carried a recurring advisory for corrosion and grease covering since at least 2022. Ensure that the nearside rear brake pipe and offside rear coil spring (both noted on the August 2025 MOT) are inspected for structural integrity and replaced if necessary.
Check the front suspension wishbone bushes and track rod ends, which required major replacement work during the 2017 MOT test. Look out for any signs of oil leaks around the engine bay, which were previously noted as advisories in 2015 and 2017. Finally, test the anti-lock braking system (ABS) thoroughly to ensure the fault that triggered a test failure in June 2024 has been fully resolved.
First registered in November 2001, this silver Volkswagen Golf has covered just 87,437 miles, averaging under 4,000 miles a year over its quarter-century lifespan. Its MOT history shows a pattern of passing after addressing minor electrical and lighting faults, alongside chronic advisories for corroded brake lines and suspension wear. While the mileage is exceptionally low for a 2001 petrol vehicle, prospective buyers must factor in the age-related corrosion and maintenance needs highlighted in recent test certificates.
The Volkswagen Golf Mk4 is widely regarded for its robust build quality and durable mechanical components, though older examples commonly suffer from suspension bush wear, electrical gremlins, and corrosion on brake lines.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Door Lock Microswitch Internal Solder Joint FractureModerate
The microswitch inside the integrated door latch mechanism suffers from cracked solder joints and worn plastic cams, preventing the car from registering whether the door is open or closed.
- Electric Window Regulator Plastic Runner Clip ShearingModerate
Factory window regulator clips were molded from fragile plastic that cracks over time, causing the window glass to drop suddenly into the door cavity and jam.
- 1.8T Oil Pickup Pipe Sludge & Turbocharger StarvationSerious
On 1.8 20v Turbo GTI and 150/180bhp models, extended service intervals bake oil into carbon sludge, which clogs the narrow mesh gauze of the oil pickup strainer in the sump, starving the top end and turbocharger of oil.
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