2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · AF62 TYW

The most recent MOT, conducted on 26 September 2025, was passed but carried three advisories concerning rear tyre tread depth and a deteriorating rear registration plate. Over the ten‑year record the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: early years were clean, a serious front tyre failure in August 2022 prompted a failure, and subsequent tests have largely been passes with recurring tyre wear advisories and a single brake‑pad advisory in 2022. The trend therefore appears to be stabilising after the 2022 failure, yet the persistence of tyre‑wear warnings indicates that tyre condition remains a marginal area that requires close attention. At 123,980 miles the car averages roughly 8,850 miles per annum, which is typical for a 2012 model. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the MOT history, suggesting regular use rather than prolonged storage. The mileage level places the vehicle well into the wear phase for consumables such as tyres, brake discs, suspension bushings and engine oil, and it is approaching the point where age‑related degradation of rubber and metal components becomes as significant as mileage‑related wear. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection. All four tyres have been flagged as close to the legal tread limit on multiple occasions and a front tyre suffered a dangerous side‑wall bulge in 2022, implying that the current set may be nearing the end of its service life. Look for uneven tread wear, side‑wall cracking, and any signs of delamination or bulging; a thumping or vibrating sensation at higher speeds often signals a tyre that is out of round or has a developing separation. Verify the manufacture date on the sidewall – tyres older than ten years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. The rear registration plate should be examined for corrosion or fading that could affect legibility, and the plate mounting brackets should be checked for rust that might compromise structural integrity. In addition to the tyres, the brake system warrants close scrutiny. The front brake pads were noted as thin in 2022 and the rear pads failed the 2020 test, indicating that both front and rear pads have likely been replaced since then, but the condition of the discs should be confirmed. Look for scoring, glazing or excessive rust on the rotors, and listen for any squeal, shudder or pulsation when applying the brakes. The suspension should be checked for worn bushings, cracked coil springs or any clunking when the car is driven over bumps, as the cumulative mileage can accelerate these wear patterns. Given the vehicle’s age, inspect the battery for sulphation and verify that the electrolyte level is adequate, and consider a load test. Finally, confirm that the service history shows timely oil, coolant and gearbox fluid changes, as calendar‑based fluid degradation can lead to reduced lubrication and overheating in a car that has been driven consistently for over a decade.