2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · YJZ 211
2012 Volkswagen Golf (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/06/2012. Recorded mileage 116,430 miles. MOT valid until 20/05/2027. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 1968cc
YJZ 211 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/04/2026
- 116,430 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
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YJZ 211 Mileage History
- 22/05/2023100,745 mi
- 22/05/2023100,749 mi+4 mi
- 07/05/2024112,622 mi+11,873 mi
- 08/05/2025114,076 mi+1,454 mi
- 23/04/2026116,430 mi+2,354 mi
Average of roughly 5,371 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
YJZ 211 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf (YJZ 211) between May 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 April 2026 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: Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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 Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2012 Volkswagen Golf diesel is a reasonable buy if priced accordingly, but the 2023 MOT failure and recurring suspension wear notes warrant caution. Budget for near-term maintenance on the braking and anti-roll bar components before committing.
When viewing this Golf, ask for proof that the May 2023 failure items (offside front coil spring and binding brake) were properly repaired, as the subsequent passes confirm they were addressed but not the quality of work. Check for a full service history, particularly evidence of timely cam belt and diesel filter changes given the 1968cc diesel engine and 116k mileage. Use the noted wear — near-side front anti-roll bar ball joint play and rear brake pad thinning — as negotiation points to lower the price or have them fixed pre-sale.
As a 2012 diesel with a 1968cc engine, this Golf will sit in a higher VED band than modern equivalents but benefits from strong real-world fuel economy, often 50-60 mpg on mixed driving. Insurance group for a Golf of this era is typically moderate, though exact group depends on trim not shown. Routine maintenance such as brake pads, anti-roll bar joints, and tyres will be the main costs; based on mileage and noted wear, expect typical annual running costs in the region of £1,000-£1,300 including fuel, tax, insurance, and upkeep.
The 2023 MOT failure recorded an offside front coil spring fractured or broken and offside front service brake binding — inspect that corner for fresh springs, free brake movement, and no scoring on the disc. The 2024 and 2026 tests noted slight play in the near-side front anti-roll bar ball joint (and rear linkage in 2024), so physically check the suspension for looseness or worn bushes. The 2025 test flagged near-side rear brake pads wearing thin at 114,076 miles; verify current pad depth and disc condition, and confirm the 2026 pass did not yet require replacement.
The red 1968cc diesel Golf (reg YJZ211) first registered in June 2012 has covered 116,430 miles as of its April 2026 MOT, which is typical for a 14-year-old diesel hatchback. Its MOT history shows one failure in May 2023 for a broken offside front coil spring and a binding service brake, both since rectified, with the remaining tests passed. Recurring slight play in the anti-roll bar ball joints and thinning rear brake pads indicate ageing suspension and brakes that need monitoring. No aggregate model reliability data was available, so assessment rests solely on this vehicle's record.
No aggregate MOT reliability data was provided for the Volkswagen Golf, so this assessment is based only on the individual vehicle's history.
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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