IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid
Check Service Records

2018 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · AK18 AAJ

AK18 AAJ

2018 Volkswagen Golf (2.0L, diesel). First registered 29 Mar 2018. Recorded mileage 152,842 miles. MOT valid until 01 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.

Make & Model
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Year / Origin
2018 · Peterborough
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 01 Aug 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
Recorded Mileage
152,842 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 01 Aug 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Jun 2027
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2018
Engine
1968cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle presents a consistent and stable maintenance profile according to the DVSA records. The most recent MOT test on 21 July 2025 at 142,290 miles resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This follows a clean testing history dating back to 2021, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in a roadworthy condition without recurring failures in structural integrity or braking systems. The mileage accumulation is significant for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 17,786 miles per year. The data shows steady usage, with the mileage increasing from 95,133 miles in March 2021 to 142,290 miles in July 2025. The most recent interval between the 2024 and 2025 tests shows an increase of 4,984 miles, which is lower than the previous annual average, though the overall high mileage remains the defining characteristic of this vehicle's history. Given the high mileage and the heavy annual usage, a physical inspection should focus on components subject to significant wear. While the MOT history shows no failures, the high mileage increases the likelihood of accelerated degradation in suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers. You should specifically check for signs of oil leaks from the engine or gearbox and inspect the brake discs for deep scoring or uneven wear. The absence of advisories for corrosion or tyre tread depth in the recent history is a positive indicator. However, at 142,290 miles, the drivetrain and timing components have undergone substantial cycles. A buyer should verify the service history to ensure that consumables like timing belts or water pumps have been replaced according to manufacturer intervals, as these are not covered by standard MOT inspections.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

AK18 AAJ Key Findings

  • 7 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 03/08/2026
  • 152,842 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

AK18 AAJ MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 13 Nov 2026, 02:30
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

7 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Volkswagen Golf (AK18 AAJ) between March 2021 and August 2026.

The record contains 6 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 03 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

AK18 AAJ Mileage History

  1. 17/03/202195,133 mi
  2. 17/03/202195,133 mi
  3. 22/03/2022118,339 mi+23,206 mi
  4. 29/03/2023128,708 mi+10,369 mi
  5. 25/07/2024137,206 mi+8,498 mi
  6. 21/07/2025142,290 mi+5,084 mi
  7. 03/08/2026152,842 mi+10,552 mi

Average of roughly 10,726 miles per year across 7 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (5G)

Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
93
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian

Direct Manufacturer Service History

Digital Service History

Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for AK18AAJ.

Official OE Dealer Records

Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records

Check franchised dealer maintenance history for AK18AAJ. Our direct integration verifies routine service events, workshop operations, recorded mileage, and technician logs.

Official dealer maintenance records
Logged mileage at every workshop visit
Itemised repairer operations & schedules
Official VIN identification verification
Included in Extended Check Bundle discount

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
68/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,800
Mileage
At 152,842 miles in August 2026, this ve...

Our Verdict

This 2018 Volkswagen Golf TDI presents a

When inspecting this 2018 Golf, verify that the timing belt and water pump have been replaced in accordance with mileage intervals, given the current odometer reading of 152,842 miles. Check the paperwork for evidence addressing past advisory items, such as the 2023 note regarding a central oil leak and shock absorber misting. Negotiate on price if consumable items like tyres or suspension components show signs of approaching wear.

Examine all electrical features, climate control settings, and the infotainment system during your test drive. Ensure that the 2.0-litre diesel engine idles smoothly from cold and that the manual or automatic transmission shifts cleanly without hesitation. A comprehensive independent inspection is recommended to confirm the overall mechanical health before finalising the purchase.

Equipped with the 1968.0cc diesel engine, this Golf is designed for strong fuel economy on longer journeys, which will help offset the running costs associated with its high mileage. Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) will apply at standard rates for a diesel car of this registration year. Insurance falls into a moderate group typical for a mid-sized hatchback with a 2.0L diesel powerplant.

Maintenance costs should factor in regular servicing using the correct specification oil and replacement of wearable items such as brakes, tyres, and suspension components. Budgeting for preventative upkeep is essential when purchasing a vehicle operating above average annual mileage thresholds.

Pay close attention to the suspension system, specifically checking for any recurrence of the shock absorber misting noted on the nearside front in 2023 and offside rear in 2025. Inspect the engine bay thoroughly for any signs of the central oil leak that was recorded during the March 2023 MOT test. Check the condition of all four tyres across the tread width, as tyre wear is among the top failure reasons for this model nationally.

Inspect the windscreen carefully for any stone chips or cracks, keeping in mind the 2023 advisory regarding a chipped front window. Additionally, listen for any suspension knocks or rattles over rough road surfaces, and verify that all dashboard warning lights clear correctly upon starting the engine.

First registered in March 2018, this black Volkswagen Golf features a 1968.0cc diesel engine and has accumulated 152,842 miles by August 2026. Its MOT history shows consecutive passes from 2022 to 2026, though earlier tests noted items such as tyre wear, a central oil leak, and suspension misting that have since been cleared. With an average pass rate of 80.8% for the model nationally, this Golf sits well above the typical mileage bracket for its age.

The Volkswagen Golf demonstrates a solid reliability profile within the UK market, supported by an aggregate MOT pass rate of 80.8% across nearly one million vehicles analysed.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Model Intelligence & Reliability

Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.

All GOLF problems

Regional DVLA Registration Directory

Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.

AK18 series plates

Recently Checked UK Vehicles

Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.

All trending checks