1987 Volkswagen Scirocco 1.6L Petrol · D840 OOM

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 February 2023 resulted in a PASS, although the test outcome must be interpreted carefully. It followed a FAIL only six weeks earlier on 13 January 2023, where both rear inner sills were recorded as having excessive corrosion within 30 cm of body mountings, compromising structural rigidity. The later pass suggests remedial welding or panel repair was carried out between tests, but the advisories still standing on the pass certificate indicate that the work was either partial or that secondary corrosion remains. The presence of an engine and transmission oil leak, slight nearside rear wheel bearing play, corrosion to both rear brake hose ferrules, and a corroded nearside rear inner integral body structure all point to an older vehicle exhibiting progressive structural and mechanical degradation. The overall trend is clearly worsening rather than stable, with structural integrity emerging as a serious concern for any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 150,763 miles across a 39-year-old vehicle equates to an average of roughly 3,866 miles per year, which is notably low for a classic car of this era and consistent with a vehicle that has seen long periods of standing or only occasional weekend and summer use. Earlier MOT entries in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2016 all recorded passes with no defects, followed by a return to testing in 2017 and then a multi-year gap until 2023. The lack of recorded mileage between tests makes it impossible to confirm whether the relatively low annual figure reflects genuine limited use, odometer inconsistency, or simply irregular SORN periods. Low-mileage classics of this age are particularly susceptible to age-related deterioration of seals, gaskets, flexible components and brake systems, all of which appear consistent with the defects recorded on the most recent tests. Given the recurring advisories and the historical structural failure, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection before committing to purchase. The inner sills, jacking points, rear chassis outriggers, floor pans, rear bulkhead and seat belt anchorages should be examined closely for bubbling, paint lifting, underseal cracking or previous repair work, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp. The 2023 advisories on both rear brake hose ferrules mean the hoses themselves are almost certainly due for renewal due to internal corrosion and age, even if the external surface appears serviceable. The slight play noted in the nearside rear wheel bearing on both the 2017 and 2023 tests indicates a wear pattern that has been present for at least six years and is likely to require replacement imminently; on a test drive, listen for a humming or droning noise that rises with speed, and check for any lateral play when the wheel is rocked by hand. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and likely standing time of this Scirocco warrant a methodical check of time-served components regardless of mileage. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade after around six to eight years regardless of tread remaining, and the production date code should be confirmed. Brake discs are highly likely to exhibit surface corrosion and the calipers may be binding from prolonged inactivity, so both the discs and pads should be inspected for uneven wear, pitting or seized slider pins. Coolant, brake fluid and fuel should be considered overdue for renewal purely on calendar age, and the 12V battery should be load-tested as a matter of course. The recorded oil leak from the engine or transmission should be investigated to determine its source, as long-standing seepage from camshaft seals, the rear main oil seal or the sump gasket is common on vehicles of this vintage. Finally, the timing belt, coolant hoses, vacuum lines and ignition components should be reviewed as a complete service package, since age rather than distance is the dominant wear factor on this particular car.