1997 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L Petrol · R78 YNG
1997 Volkswagen Golf (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 106,776 miles. MOT expired on 24 Nov 2016.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 24 Nov 2016
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (29 Feb 2016)
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,776 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- 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.
R78 YNG Key Findings
- 15 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/11/2015
- 106,776 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R78 YNG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
15 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volkswagen Golf (R78 YNG) between May 2006 and November 2015.
The record contains 10 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 25 November 2015 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: Lighting (14 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 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: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)”; “Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)”.
R78 YNG Mileage History
- 09/05/200657,986 mi
- 11/05/200657,986 mi
- 10/05/200768,330 mi+10,344 mi
- 11/05/200768,335 mi+5 mi
- 17/04/200873,490 mi+5,155 mi
- 18/04/200978,803 mi+5,313 mi
- 04/05/201081,289 mi+2,486 mi
- 04/05/201081,296 mi+7 mi
- 04/05/201183,363 mi+2,067 mi
- 24/04/201284,979 mi+1,616 mi
- 13/05/201389,447 mi+4,468 mi
- 14/05/201389,456 mi+9 mi
- 12/05/201497,957 mi+8,501 mi
- 25/11/2015106,776 mi+8,819 mi
- 25/11/2015106,776 mi
Average of roughly 5,111 miles per year across 15 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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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
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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.
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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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