2008 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel · AV57 XTS
2008 Volkswagen Golf (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Jan 2008. Recorded mileage 167,346 miles. MOT valid until 31 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Ipswich
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 31 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 167,346 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
AV57 XTS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/01/2026
- 167,346 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AV57 XTS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Volkswagen Golf (AV57 XTS) between January 2025 and January 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 09 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
AV57 XTS Mileage History
- 20/01/2025157,912 mi
- 25/01/2025158,032 mi+120 mi
- 26/01/2025158,032 mi
- 09/01/2026167,946 mi+9,914 mi
- 09/01/2026167,346 mi-600 mi
Average of roughly 9,736 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution. The MOT histor
Prioritise the verification of structural repairs. The January 2025 records show failures for corrosion on the inner and outer sills and the rear lower suspension mounting; you must request detailed invoices and evidence of professional welding repairs to ensure these were corrected properly and not just patched.
Additionally, the vehicle has failed multiple times on exhaust emissions (January 2025 and January 2026). Investigate whether this was a simple sensor issue or a more systemic problem with the engine or emissions system, as this can be costly to rectify on a high-mileage diesel. Negotiate the price based on the high mileage and the extensive history of structural and mechanical failures.
The 1.9L diesel engine is known for its efficiency, though fuel economy will be impacted by the vehicle's age and 167,346 miles. Expect moderate annual road tax for a 2008 diesel and a mid-range insurance group typical for the Golf model.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average given the recorded wear on suspension arm pins, bushes, and anti-roll bar components. Ongoing costs will include regular diesel fuel, tax, insurance, and a budget for aging suspension components and potential emissions system repairs.
Perform a thorough physical inspection of the sills and the rear lower suspension mounting areas. Given the 2025 MOT failures for 'rigidity significantly reduced' due to corrosion, check for poor-quality weld patches or surface rust hiding deeper structural issues.
Inspect the front suspension bushings and anti-roll bar ball joints, as these have been repeated points of failure and advisories in 2025 and 2026. Finally, check the current tread depth of all tyres, as the vehicle has a history of failing on tyre tread depth below the 1.6mm legal limit.
This grey 2008 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel has covered 167,346 miles, which is above the average for its age. The vehicle's MOT record is concerning, showing a series of failures in early 2025 involving severe structural corrosion to the sills and suspension mountings, as well as repeated issues with exhaust emissions and suspension wear.
While the Golf has a general MOT pass rate of 80.8%, this specific vehicle shows a pattern of failures in tyres, exhaust, and anti-roll bars, which align with the top failure reasons for the model.
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
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