2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.5L Petrol · AF18 NUH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass in late January 2026 at 61,770 miles. However, the maintenance trend shows a recent lapse in pre-test preparation. Just three days prior to the most recent test, the car failed due to an inoperative engine malfunction indicator light and an offside front tyre worn to the legal limit. While the vehicle has returned to a clean status, this late-stage failure suggests the owner did not perform a basic safety check or address obvious wear before seeking the MOT appointment. The mileage pattern is consistent with an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,700 miles per year. The record shows steady progression from 49,925 miles in March 2023 to 61,770 miles in January 2026. This low annual mileage suggests the car has seen light use, which typically preserves wear on the drivetrain and engine components, though the long intervals between tests can sometimes lead to rubber components degrading or seizing due to age rather than mechanical high-mileage stress. A buyer should focus inspection on the front shock absorbers, as the record indicates light misting of oil on both the nearside and offside units during both 2023 and 2024. While these were not flagged as failures in later tests, the persistence of the mist suggests a slow leak that will eventually require strut assembly replacement. The distorted inner rim on the nearside rear wheel noted in 2024 should also be inspected for structural cracks or impact damage that could cause uneven handling or vibration at higher speeds. The recent failure regarding the engine management light also necessitates a thorough diagnostic scan to ensure the fault was actually cleared and is not a recurring sensor issue. Since the offside front tyre was at the limit in January 2026, the buyer must check the remaining tyres for depth and wear, as the edge wear noted in the failure report often indicates an alignment issue or worn suspension bushes.