2022 Volkswagen Golf Life TDI S-A 2.0L Diesel · AF72 OJM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 23 October 2025. The history reveals a failure just two days prior due to a major fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber. While this defect was rectified promptly to achieve a pass, the failure indicates a point of component fatigue. The overall maintenance trend appears stable as no other defects were recorded, though the buyer should verify whether the shock absorber was replaced as a pair, which is the professional standard to ensure balanced handling and braking stability. With 53,364 miles recorded over approximately four years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 13,341 miles per year. This is considered high usage for this model and age. Such mileage suggests the vehicle has likely been used for commuting or long-distance travel, which generally puts less strain on the engine than frequent short trips but accelerates the wear of consumables. The buyer should anticipate a higher rate of wear on brake pads, tyres, and suspension bushings compared to a lower-mileage example. Given the previous failure of the offside front shock absorber, it is critical to assess the current state of the front suspension. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces and observe if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing after a bump, which indicates worn damping. Inspect the shock absorber struts for any fresh oil weeping. Additionally, check the inner and outer tyre treads for uneven wear patterns, such as cupping, which often results from failing dampers and can lead to premature tyre replacement. Due to the high annual mileage, the buyer must scrutinise the service history to ensure oil changes and filter replacements have been performed at the correct intervals. For a TDI engine, verify the status of the timing belt and water pump according to the manufacturer's schedule, as these are critical failure points. Check the condition of the brake discs for lip wear or scoring and ensure the calipers are not binding. Finally, inspect the cabin and engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks and confirm that the 12V battery is holding a strong charge, as high-mileage vehicles often approach the end of their first battery's lifespan.