2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · DC53 ELW
2004 Volkswagen Golf (1.4L, petrol). First registered 13 Feb 2004. Recorded mileage 128,374 miles. MOT expired on 18 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,374 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- 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.
DC53 ELW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/10/2025
- 128,374 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DC53 ELW 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 2004 Volkswagen Golf (DC53 ELW) between September 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 October 2025 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: Brakes (9 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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 has a major leak of exhaust gases rear exhaust box (6.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”.
DC53 ELW Mileage History
- 16/09/2022123,139 mi
- 18/09/2023126,395 mi+3,256 mi
- 26/09/2024127,894 mi+1,499 mi
- 18/10/2025128,375 mi+481 mi
- 20/10/2025128,374 mi-1 mi
Average of roughly 1,692 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
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf Mk4 (1J)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
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The microswitch inside the integrated door latch mechanism suffers from cracked solder joints and worn plastic cams, preventing the car from registering whether the door is open or closed.
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Factory window regulator clips were molded from fragile plastic that cracks over time, causing the window glass to drop suddenly into the door cavity and jam.
- 1.8T Oil Pickup Pipe Sludge & Turbocharger StarvationSerious
On 1.8 20v Turbo GTI and 150/180bhp models, extended service intervals bake oil into carbon sludge, which clogs the narrow mesh gauze of the oil pickup strainer in the sump, starving the top end and turbocharger of oil.
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