2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Petrol · EF51 BNO
2001 Volkswagen Golf (1.6L, petrol). First registered 18 Dec 2001. Recorded mileage 115,278 miles. MOT valid until 18 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 115,278 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- 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 BNO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/11/2025
- 115,278 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EF51 BNO 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 BNO) between November 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Steering (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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.
EF51 BNO Mileage History
- 23/11/202289,543 mi
- 01/12/202398,707 mi+9,164 mi
- 20/11/2024106,586 mi+7,879 mi
- 20/11/2024106,586 mi
- 21/11/2025115,278 mi+8,692 mi
Average of roughly 8,593 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: Good
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
Caution: While the Golf's low mileage and generally solid condition are positives, the history of major steering rack and headlamp failures in 2024 raises safety concerns; ensure these are fully rectified before purchase.
Start by verifying that the steering rack gaiter has been replaced and that the off‑side headlamp is fully functional; the 2024 MOT failure shows these items were previously defective. Check the condition of all four tyres, looking for uneven wear or side‑wall cracks, and confirm that the tread depth is well above the legal minimum. Inspect the suspension arm pins and bushes for excessive play, as the MOT history records repeated wear advisories on these parts. Also examine the battery mounting and the washer fluid system, given the 2016 failure notes, and ensure the registration plate is securely attached and legible. Review the service history for any major repairs, especially those related to the steering or suspension, and consider a professional inspection to confirm that the previously noted free play in the steering rack has been resolved. Use any identified faults as leverage for price negotiation.
The 1.6 L petrol engine typically delivers around 33 mpg combined, meaning an annual fuel cost of roughly £2,500 for 12,000 mi of driving at current UK petrol prices. Road tax for a 2001 1.6 L petrol car is minimal, generally falling in the lowest band, and insurance for this model tends to sit in group 13‑15, adding about £400‑£600 per year. Routine maintenance, including tyre replacement, oil changes and occasional suspension bush or steering rack servicing, typically costs £200‑£300 annually. Factoring in these items, the estimated total running cost is £800‑£1,000 per year.
Begin with a visual inspection of the steering rack and its gaiter; any missing or damaged gaiter can allow dirt ingress, leading to the free‑play advisory seen in the latest MOT. Verify that the off‑side headlamp operates correctly on both dipped and main beams, and check the condition of the registration plate for cracks or corrosion that could affect legibility. Pay close attention to the tyres: examine tread depth, look for uneven wear or side‑wall damage, and confirm that the wheels are correctly aligned. Inspect the suspension arm pins and bushes for excessive movement, and check the battery mounting and terminals for security and corrosion. Finally, test the washer fluid spray pattern and ensure the windscreen wipers clear the glass effectively.
The 2001 Volkswagen Golf with registration EF51BNO has accumulated 115,278 miles, which is below average for its age, and has passed the 2025 MOT with only a minor steering rack advisory. Past MOT records show recurring advisories on suspension components, tyre wear and a major headlamp failure in 2024, indicating potential maintenance needs. Overall the vehicle appears structurally sound but warrants careful inspection of the steering rack and tyres before buying.
The 2001 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 generally enjoys a strong reliability reputation, though owners frequently report suspension bush and steering rack wear as common ageing‑related issues.
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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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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