No, DN53 OPA is currently recorded as untaxed in official DVLA vehicle records.

When is the MOT due for DN53 OPA?

The MOT for DN53 OPA is valid and due for renewal on or before 21 March 2026.

What is the recorded mileage of DN53 OPA?

The recorded mileage for DN53 OPA is 190,586 miles, recorded at its most recent DVSA MOT test.

Is DN53 OPA ULEZ compliant?

No, DN53 OPA does not meet standard ULEZ emissions requirements and would incur a daily charge when driven within the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Official DVLA Record

2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel · DN53 OPA

DN53 OPA

2004 Volkswagen Golf (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Jan 2004. Recorded mileage 190,586 miles. MOT expired on 21 Mar 2026.

Make & Model: VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Year / Origin: 2004 · Shrewsbury
Safety Recall: Unknown
MOT Status: Expired on 21 Mar 2026
Road Tax: Untaxed (29 Dec 2025)
Recorded Mileage: 190,586 mi
ULEZ Compliance: Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine: DIESEL · 1.9L
Reliability Guide: Common Faults

MOT Status

Expired

Expired on 21 Mar 2026View ↓

Tax Status

Untaxed

Tax due 29 Dec 2025

Fuel Type

DIESEL

Year

2004

Engine

1896cc

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Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A pattern of recurring suspension, braking, and corrosion issues defines this vehicle's history, with the most recent pass on 22 March 2025 following a failure for serious fluid leaks in both rear shock absorbers. The record indicates a trend of deteriorating components, specifically regarding the braking system and structural sills, which have appeared as repeated advisories or failures over several years. The recorded mileage of 190,586 miles over 22 years represents an average annual accumulation of approximately 8,663 miles. This usage is typical for the age of the vehicle, indicating that the mechanical wear is consistent with steady road use. At this mileage, components such as engine seals, suspension bushings, and drivetrain joints are reaching the end of their expected service life, as evidenced by the recorded oil leaks and CV boot failures. Particular attention is required for the braking system and chassis. The history shows persistent issues with the offside rear brake binding and rear brake discs that have been described as pitted, scored, or heavily corroded. On a test drive, feel for any pedal judder or a pull to one side under braking, and check for excessive heat from the rear wheels after driving. The record also flags a holed nearside front sill and corroded brake pipes, necessitating a thorough physical inspection of the underbody to evaluate the extent of the corrosion. The drivetrain and suspension have shown significant wear, including the recent rear shock absorber failures and previous issues with the nearside front CV boot and steering rack gaiter. Listen for clicking or popping noises during low-speed turns, which may indicate worn constant velocity joints, and feel for instability or knocks over uneven surfaces, reflecting the previous advisory for the offside front Macpherson strut bush. The recorded history of inner-edge tyre wear also suggests a potential wheel alignment issue that should be confirmed by inspecting the current tyre condition.

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Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

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DN53 OPA Key Findings

5 MOT tests recorded
Latest MOT passed on 22/03/2025
190,586 miles recorded at latest MOT
2 historical MOT failures
No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

DN53 OPA MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 7 Sept 2026, 14:44

MOT Analysis

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 (DN53 OPA) between February 2023 and March 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 22 March 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). 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: “Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”; “Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.

PASS

FAIL

ADVISORY

DN53 OPA Mileage History

24/02/2023176,852 mi
28/02/2023176,852 mi
20/03/2024179,265 mi+2,413 mi
22/03/2025190,543 mi+11,278 mi
22/03/2025190,586 mi+43 mi

Average of roughly 6,625 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis

/ 100 · Below Average

DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

MOT Expired or Failed

Taxed

Average MOT pass rate (60%)

Older vehicle

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score

42/100

Risk Level

High

Est. Annual Cost

£1,200-£1,500

Mileage

The recorded mileage of 190,586 is signi...

Our Verdict

Exercise significant caution before purc

Given the recorded history of sill corrosion (noted in 2023), it is vital to inspect the vehicle's structural integrity thoroughly. Corrosion in the sills can often be a sign of more widespread rust in the chassis or floor pans. Do not take a 'clean' recent MOT as a guarantee of structural soundness, as MOT tests are visual inspections and may not catch all areas of degradation.

Negotiate based on the high mileage and the frequency of advisories. Check the service history specifically for timing belt and water pump replacements, which are critical for this 1896cc diesel engine. Ensure that the recent shock absorber replacements (required due to the 2025 failure) were carried out with quality parts and that the rear suspension setup is now stable.

As a 1.9L diesel, this Golf is likely to offer decent fuel economy on long journeys, but running costs will be heavily influenced by its age and mileage. Expect higher-than-average maintenance costs due to the wear and tear common in high-mileage vehicles, particularly regarding suspension components and braking systems.

Insurance groups for 2004 Golfs vary, but older diesel models can sometimes attract higher premiums depending on the driver profile. You should budget for more frequent repairs to consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension, especially given the pattern of inner-edge tyre wear and brake disc pitting seen in previous tests.

Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside and sills; the 2023 MOT explicitly recorded a 'sill corroded / holed' failure, which is a serious structural concern. Check the current condition of the rear shock absorbers, as these were a primary cause of failure in the March 2025 test due to serious fluid leaks.

Examine the front tyres for uneven wear, specifically on the inner edges, as this was a recorded issue in 2023. Additionally, inspect the CV boots and steering rack gaiters to ensure they are intact, following previous failures related to these components. Finally, check for any signs of oil leaks, as an 'oil leak, but not excessive' was noted in the 2024 MOT history.

This 2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI has covered 190,586 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,175 miles per year. While the most recent MOT in March 2025 passed without defects, the vehicle has a documented history of issues ranging from shock absorber leaks and CV boot deterioration to structural sill corrosion. The high mileage and recurring brake and suspension concerns indicate a vehicle that has been heavily used.

Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.8% MOT pass rate, with common failures relating to tyres, exhausts, and anti-roll bars.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.