1997 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel · R317 YNV
1997 Volkswagen Golf (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 120,190 miles. MOT expired on 16 Oct 2017. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Oct 2017
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 120,190 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- 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.
R317 YNV Key Findings
- 16 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/09/2016
- 120,190 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (19 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R317 YNV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
16 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volkswagen Golf (R317 YNV) between October 2006 and September 2016.
The record contains 11 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 29 September 2016 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (19 issues), Lighting (13 issues), Brakes (10 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 39 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 Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor (2.4.A.3)”; “Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill (2.4.A.3)”; “Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is severely distorted outer sill (5.2.6)”.
R317 YNV Mileage History
- 12/10/2006100,910 mi
- 14/09/2007103,939 mi+3,029 mi
- 14/09/2007103,939 mi
- 16/10/2008106,059 mi+2,120 mi
- 17/10/2008106,059 mi
- 14/10/2009107,209 mi+1,150 mi
- 14/10/2010109,386 mi+2,177 mi
- 15/10/2010109,386 mi
- 05/10/2011111,237 mi+1,851 mi
- 10/10/2011111,237 mi
- 12/10/2012113,507 mi+2,270 mi
- 04/10/2013115,366 mi+1,859 mi
- 29/09/2014117,019 mi+1,653 mi
- 01/10/2015118,708 mi+1,689 mi
- 22/09/2016120,147 mi+1,439 mi
- 29/09/2016120,190 mi+43 mi
Average of roughly 1,935 miles per year across 16 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.
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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 1997 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.
- Front Anti-Roll Bar Plastic Bush Collar Cracking & KnockingModerate
The front anti-roll bar on early Mk4s features plastic bonded collars beneath the rubber bushes that crack and allow road grit in, corroding the bar and causing severe clunking over bumps.
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