2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · CE62 PZF

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf holds a valid MOT pass certificate dated 19 December 2025, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The most recent test at 138,892 miles followed a failure just two days earlier on 17 December 2025 at 138,882 miles, where the tester flagged both rear shock absorbers for light oil misting and a deteriorated nearside front upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover. The shock absorber advisory carried forward into the pass, meaning the dampers remain compromised. A loose offside rear bumper and a damaged nearside front obligatory mirror with a missing cover also persist across both December 2025 entries, indicating cosmetic and minor structural items have been left unresolved for at least several weeks. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a fourteen-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 9,921 miles per year. The record shows a steady climb from 124,855 miles in December 2022 to 138,892 miles by December 2025, with no anomalous gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest long-term standing or odometer irregularities. Annual testing has been consistent each December, providing a reliable chronological service and wear profile. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and front-end components. The recurring rear shock absorber oil misting across both December 2025 tests points to deteriorating damper seals, which will compromise ride quality and braking stability if left unaddressed. The anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failure on the nearside front allows dirt ingress, accelerating joint wear and potentially causing knocks or vague steering. Examine the subframe, suspension mounting points, and rear beam for corrosion, as these are common failure points on high-mileage Golfs of this generation. The minor oil leak noted in December 2022 at 124,855 miles was not flagged in subsequent tests, but a fresh underbonnet inspection for weeping gaskets around the cam cover and oil filter housing remains prudent at this mileage. Tyre condition has been a recurring theme. The December 2024 test at 135,293 miles flagged both nearside front and rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and wearing on the edge, suggesting possible tracking misalignment or neglected rotation. Check all four tyres for uneven wear patterns and confirm the tracking is within specification. The damaged nearside mirror and loose rear bumper are minor but should be verified as secure before purchase, as they indicate a pattern of deferred minor repairs that could reflect broader inattention to the vehicle's upkeep.