2002 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel · MT02 ABU
2002 Volkswagen Golf (1.9L, diesel). First registered 20/05/2002. Recorded mileage 169,675 miles. MOT valid until 24/11/2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 24/11/2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 169,675 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 2002
- Engine
- 1896cc
MT02 ABU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/11/2025
- 169,675 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MT02 ABU Mileage History
- 18/11/2023163,618 mi
- 15/11/2024168,182 mi+4,564 mi
- 18/11/2024168,185 mi+3 mi
- 12/11/2025169,667 mi+1,482 mi
- 25/11/2025169,675 mi+8 mi
Average of roughly 2,997 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
MT02 ABU 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 2002 Volkswagen Golf (MT02 ABU) between November 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution on this high-mileage diesel. While the most recent MOT is clean, the pattern of immediate failures after passing suggests recurring issues that require close investigation.
When inspecting this Mk4 Golf, focus heavily on the reasons for the recent MOT failures. Since the car failed within three days of its tests in both 2024 and 2025, you must verify if these were mechanical failures that recurred or if the owner was simply skipping thorough pre-MOT checks. Ask the previous owner exactly what specific faults led to those failures and ask for receipts for the repairs performed.
Check the service history for timing belt changes; at nearly 170,000 miles, this component should have been replaced multiple times, or it represents a significant risk. Also look for signs of oil leaks around the turbocharger and the head gasket, which are common on this era of VW TDI engines at high mileage levels.
The 1896cc diesel engine is known for its efficiency, but running costs will be influenced by the vehicle's age. Expect decent fuel economy for long journeys, though potential maintenance costs may rise as components reach the end of their lifespan at this high mileage.
Insurance groups for an older Golf are typically low, but you should check the specific tax band band. Estimate your annual running cost to be around £900-£1,100, including fuel, tax, and a budget for wear and tear repairs.
Inspect the undercarriage thoroughly for structural corrosion, which is a known weak point for Volkswagen Golfs of this period. Given the recent MOT failures, pay close attention to the brake components, tyres, and suspension bushings, as these are frequent culprits for short-notice MOT failures.
Test the engine on cold to listen for any knocking or excessive blue smoke, which could indicate injector wear or turbo issues. Ensure the clutch bites smoothly, as high-mileage diesel dies often require clutch and flywheel replacements which when nearing 170,000 miles.
This 2002 Volkswagen Golf features a 1.9L diesel engine and has covered approximately 169,675 miles. While it passed its latest November 2025 test without defects, the vehicle has a history of failing just days after passing in both 2024 and 2025. The mileage is significantly high for its age, indicating a life of long-term use.
The 1.9 TDI engine in this generation is generally considered robust if maintained, but high-mile examples are prone to injector and turbo wear.
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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