DVLA verified

1989 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF1.8L Petrol

G141 FDA

Vehicle Insight Summary

1989 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — Petrol, 1781cc. This vehicle has 122,512 miles on record. MOT status: no valid MOT. Tax: not taxed. Review the complete history and specs.

MOT
Expired
Expires 18/01/2023
Tax
No data
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£8.99
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Fuel
Petrol
Year
1989
Engine
1781cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle shows a history of intermittent maintenance issues, but the most recent recorded test in January 2022 at 122,512 miles passed with no defects. This suggests a period of stability following several years of mechanical volatility. However, the lack of any MOT data between January 2022 and the current date of July 2026 represents a significant gap in documented roadworthiness. The maintenance trend appears to have improved from a period of frequent failures between 2006 and 2012, though the long interval since the last inspection raises questions regarding current mechanical status. The mileage profile indicates very low usage for a 37-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,311 miles per year. The data shows a notable period of inactivity or sparse recording, with the mileage only increasing by roughly 3,000 miles between the December 2012 test and the January 2022 test. While low mileage often implies less drivetrain wear, it can also lead to deterioration in rubber components, seals, and fluid degradation due to long periods of standing. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the exhaust system and structural integrity. The records show a recurring pattern of exhaust issues, including a major leak and inadequate support in July 2007, a minor leak in November 2010, and another minor leak in December 2012. Furthermore, the December 2012 failure highlighted an inadequate repair to a steering component mounting area, which requires careful scrutiny for signs of corrosion or substandard welding. The braking and suspension systems also warrant close attention. The vehicle has a history of marginal parking brake efficiency in 2007 and 2010, and the December 2012 test flagged both nearside and offside front wheel bearings with play. Given the age and the low-use pattern, checking for seized calipers, perished suspension bushes, and the condition of the fuel and brake hydraulic lines is essential to ensure the vehicle remains safe for road use.

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Free vehicle health score

60
/ 100 · Average

Public record health check: Average.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
A score of 60 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for G141FDA

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked
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Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 30 Jul 2026, 10:33
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle shows a history of intermittent maintenance issues, but the most recent recorded test in January 2022 at 122,512 miles passed with no defects. This suggests a period of stability following several years of mechanical volatility. However, the lack of any MOT data between January 2022 and the current date of July 2026 represents a significant gap in documented roadworthiness. The maintenance trend appears to have improved from a period of frequent failures between 2006 and 2012, though the long interval since the last inspection raises questions regarding current mechanical status. The mileage profile indicates very low usage for a 37-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,311 miles per year. The data shows a notable period of inactivity or sparse recording, with the mileage only increasing by roughly 3,000 miles between the December 2012 test and the January 2022 test. While low mileage often implies less drivetrain wear, it can also lead to deterioration in rubber components, seals, and fluid degradation due to long periods of standing. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the exhaust system and structural integrity. The records show a recurring pattern of exhaust issues, including a major leak and inadequate support in July 2007, a minor leak in November 2010, and another minor leak in December 2012. Furthermore, the December 2012 failure highlighted an inadequate repair to a steering component mounting area, which requires careful scrutiny for signs of corrosion or substandard welding. The braking and suspension systems also warrant close attention. The vehicle has a history of marginal parking brake efficiency in 2007 and 2010, and the December 2012 test flagged both nearside and offside front wheel bearings with play. Given the age and the low-use pattern, checking for seized calipers, perished suspension bushes, and the condition of the fuel and brake hydraulic lines is essential to ensure the vehicle remains safe for road use.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

This 1989 Volkswagen Golf (G141 FDA) has a recorded MOT history spanning from January 2022 to January 2022, with 1 MOT test on record.

Across its entire MOT history, this Volkswagen has a 100% success rate (1 passes and 0 fails). This consistent performance at MOT centers suggests this vehicle has been kept in good order.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY