2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.5L Petrol · AF18 CNN

A recurring pattern of tyre perishing and sidewall cracking constitutes the primary mechanical observation for this vehicle, with advisories for all four tyres appearing in 2022 and continuing through the most recent test on 26 February 2026. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record without any recorded failures since 2021, the persistence of these advisories suggests a trend of rubber degradation. The latest inspection confirms that both the nearside and offside front tyres remain subject to cracking or perishing, indicating that the condition of the tyre sidewalls has not been rectified following the previous advisory in March 2025. The vehicle's usage profile is characterized by significantly low annual mileage, averaging approximately 4,074 miles per year over its eight-year lifespan. With a recorded mileage of 32,595 as of the latest test, the vehicle has been driven much less frequently than the typical UK average. Mechanically, this low accumulation of mileage often correlates with the specific tyre issues noted in the MOT history, as vehicles that undergo long periods of inactivity or infrequent use are more susceptible to tyre perishing and flat-spotting due to environmental exposure rather than tread wear. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the condition of the rubber components, specifically looking for deep cracks in the sidewalls or between the tread blocks of all four tyres. During a test drive, pay close attention to any vibration through the steering wheel or a rhythmic thumping noise at low speeds, which can be symptomatic of uneven surface degradation or flat-spotting from extended stationary periods. Additionally, because the low mileage may imply the vehicle has spent significant time unused, it is prudent to check for any signs of fluid seepage from seals or the presence of perished rubber hoses and belts that may have hardened over time. Beyond the tyres, the absence of recorded defects in the 2023 and 2024 tests suggests that structural components such as the subframe, brake pipes, and suspension linkages have not shown immediate signs of corrosion or mechanical failure during those inspections. However, given the specific advisories regarding tyre integrity, a thorough visual check of the wheel arches and braking surfaces is advised to ensure no secondary issues have arisen from the vehicle's specific usage pattern.