2013 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · D5 LOK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 March 2026, was passed but returned three advisories: the off‑side front tyre is approaching the legal tread limit and shows edge wear, the near‑side front tyre exhibits slight cracking or perishing, and the near‑side rear coil spring shows corrosion. Over the last six years the vehicle has consistently passed its MOT, yet a pattern of recurring advisories is evident – repeated light oil misting from both front and rear shock absorbers each year, ongoing corrosion of the rear coil spring, and periodic tyre‑related warnings. While no outright failures have been recorded, the persistence of these items suggests a maintenance regime that is holding the car roadworthy but is not addressing underlying wear, indicating a stable yet slightly deteriorating trend. At 63 771 miles for a 2013 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 4 900 miles, well below the typical UK average of 10‑12 000 miles per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be benign for wear‑related components but can accelerate age‑related degradation such as tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension parts. There are no large mileage spikes in the MOT records, so the wear on drivetrain and braking elements is likely to be modest for the distance covered, but the calendar age of 13 years means that many components are approaching the end of their service life irrespective of mileage. Prospective buyers should give the tyres close scrutiny. The off‑side front tyre’s tread depth should be measured; if it is below 3 mm or shows pronounced edge wear, replacement is advisable to avoid a sudden loss of grip, especially in wet conditions. The near‑side front tyre’s cracking suggests rubber perishing – look for dry rot, sidewall brittleness and any bulges, and replace if any of these signs are present. The recurring light oil mist from the front and rear shock absorbers indicates seal wear; during a test drive listen for excessive bounce, clunking over bumps or a “squishy” feel in the rear, and inspect the shock bodies for oil stains. If the misting persists, the shocks will likely need replacement within the next 6‑12 months. The corroded rear coil spring should be examined for surface pitting; severe corrosion can weaken spring integrity and lead to uneven rear ride height or handling changes, so a visual inspection and a gentle bounce test are warranted, with replacement considered if any flex or noise is detected. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a comprehensive age‑related check is prudent. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test or checking the state of charge will reveal any loss of capacity from long periods of inactivity. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding, as standing can cause piston corrosion. Examine all fluid reservoirs for colour and level; engine oil, coolant and brake fluid should be refreshed on a calendar basis even if mileage is low, as degradation can occur over time. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and that any suspension or shock work recorded by a garage aligns with the MOT advisories, providing confidence that the car’s mechanical health has been actively managed.