2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel · Y811 DFC
2001 Volkswagen Golf (1.9L, diesel). First registered 09/04/2001. Recorded mileage 75,884 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1896cc
Y811 DFC Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 05/12/2022
- 75,884 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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
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Y811 DFC Mileage History
- 19/11/202175,181 mi
- 22/11/202175,201 mi+20 mi
- 05/12/202275,884 mi+683 mi
Average of roughly 674 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Y811 DFC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Golf (Y811 DFC) between November 2021 and December 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 December 2022 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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 Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution before purchasing this vehicle. While the mileage is relatively low for its age, the recent MOT history reveals significant structural corrosion and safety-critical failures that suggest a high risk of further expensive repairs.
If you are considering this car, your primary focus must be on the chassis and underside. The 2022 MOT failure for a 'seriously weakened' sub-frame is a major red flag that often indicates deep-seated rust that can be difficult and expensive to rectify. You should request proof that the sub-frame and brake pipes were not just repaired, but replaced or treated to a professional standard.
Negotiate heavily based on the potential for future structural issues. Ask for a comprehensive service history to see if the diesel engine's emissions issues (noted in 2018 and 2021) were addressed via timing belt changes or injector maintenance. Given the history of worn tyres and suspension bushes, ensure all suspension components have been recently refreshed and aren't just 'passed with advisories'.
As a 1.9L diesel, this Golf should offer decent fuel economy, making it relatively cheap to run on long journeys. However, maintenance costs for this specific vehicle may be higher than average due to the recurring suspension and braking component failures seen in the MOT history.
Tax and insurance for a 2001 model are typically in lower bands, but you should check the specific insurance group for a 1.9 TDI. Expect to budget more for 'unforeseen' mechanical repairs, particularly regarding the exhaust system and braking components which have shown consistent wear and corrosion.
A thorough inspection of the underside is mandatory. Specifically, look for signs of recent welding or heavy-duty anti-corrosion treatments on the sub-frame and brake lines, as the 2022 MOT highlighted serious corrosion in these areas. Check the brake pipes from front to rear, as the history shows a long-standing issue with them being 'covered in grease' to hide corrosion.
Additionally, inspect the front suspension. The MOT history shows a history of fractured coil springs, worn anti-roll bar bushes, and deteriorated suspension arm bushes. Check for any play in the steering rack inner joints, an advisory noted in the most recent failure. Finally, ensure the exhaust system is secure, as user notes from 2013 previously flagged corroded hanger brackets.
This 2001 silver Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI has covered 75,884 miles, which is quite low for a 25-year-old diesel. However, its MOT history shows a worrying pattern of progressive corrosion, culminating in a major failure in 2022 due to a seriously weakened offside front sub-frame and corroded brake pipes. While it has been maintained enough to pass some tests, the recurring issues with the underside and suspension suggest long-term neglect of structural integrity.
The 1.9 TDI engine is legendary for its longevity, but this specific vehicle's reliability is undermined by significant chassis and corrosion issues.
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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