2001 Volkswagen Golf 2.3L Petrol · HY51 AEW
2001 Volkswagen Golf (2.3L, petrol). First registered 11 Dec 2001. Recorded mileage 26,210 miles. MOT valid until 05 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 26,210 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
HY51 AEW Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/12/2025
- 26,210 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HY51 AEW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Golf (HY51 AEW) between August 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 December 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: Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Steering (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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: “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the”; “Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt ”; “Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
HY51 AEW Mileage History
- 24/08/202217,688 mi
- 26/08/202217,688 mi
- 06/12/202421,429 mi+3,741 mi
- 03/12/202526,210 mi+4,781 mi
Average of roughly 2,600 miles per year across 4 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
A remarkably low-mileage modern classic that offers high potential but must be approached with caution due to a history of age-related wear and deferred maintenance on safety components.
The primary draw of this car is its exceptional mileage, but buyers must be wary that 'low mileage' does not equal 'good condition'. Check all rubber components thoroughly; the MOT history shows multiple failures related to perished tyres and worn suspension bushes. Ensure the vehicle has a full service history, as cars with low mileage often have had oil changes skipped, which is detrimental to engine longevity.
Pay close attention to the steering system. Recent advisories mention seepage from the steering rack and play in the inner joints. These can be expensive repairs if left unaddressed. Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for front brake discs, pads, and a full set of tyres, all of which were flagged in the most recent 2024 test.
With a large 2.3-litre petrol engine, this car will not be an economical choice compared to smaller Golf variants. Expect modest fuel economy, likely averaging around 25-30 mpg depending on driving. Tax will be higher due to the engine displacement, and insurance groups are typically mid-range.
Maintenance costs will be standard for an older Volkswagen, with parts being readily available. Estimate an annual cost of approximately £1,100-£1,400, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing.
Inspect the undercarriage specifically for corrosion. The December 2024 MOT noted corroded brake pipes covered in grease, which is a red flag as it may be used to hide rust. Check the steering rack for any signs of leaks, as the history has already flagged slight seepage. nExamine the condition of the tyres meticulously. This car has a recurring history of 'dangerous' failures due to exposed cords, suggesting previous owners may have overlooked basic safety until a test. Also, check the front anti-roll bar bushes and suspension arms, as these have been consistent points of failure over the years.
This 2001 Volkswagen Golf is a rare find in terms of mileage, having covered only 26,210 miles over 25 years. While the low mileage suggests a healthy engine, the MOT history reveals a pattern of neglect regarding basic maintenance, such as perished tyres and corroded brake pipes. It appears to be a vehicle that has been used sparingly, which has led to rubber components degrading rather than mechanical parts wearing out.
The Mk4 generation Golf is known for its longevity, though the 2.3L engine can be sensitive to timing belt issues if not maintained.
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.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
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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