2016 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · AF66 HBH

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than preventative care. The most recent test in September 2025 at 74,550 miles identified several advisories that were absent in the previous clean record. The presence of thinning rear brake pads and oil misting on both rear shock absorbers indicates that components are now beginning to reach the end of their functional life after a long period of relatively defect-free operation. The mileage pattern is consistent with typical low-use cycles, averaging approximately 7,455 miles per year. There is a notable two-year gap in records between October 2022 and October 2024, during which the car covered 9,030 miles. Since then, the vehicle has covered 15,528 miles in under two years, suggesting a recent increase in usage. The low overall mileage generally protects the drivetrain, but the long intervals can lead to the degradation of rubber components seen in the recent MOT results. A buyer should prioritize a physical inspection of the suspension and braking system. The recurring issues with tyres worn on the edges across 2020, 2021, and 2025 suggest potential alignment issues or uneven tyre pressures that have not been addressed. The misting on the rear shock absorbers should be monitored for active leaks, as this often precedes a total failure of the damper. Additionally, the thin rear brake pads noted in the 2025 test require immediate attention to ensure the discs have not been scored by metal-on-metal contact.