1988 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L Petrol · F811 FTT
1988 Volkswagen Golf (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1988. Recorded mileage 107,797 miles. MOT expired on 18 Jun 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Jun 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (10 Nov 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 107,797 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
F811 FTT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/06/2025
- 107,797 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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F811 FTT Mileage History
- 15/09/2022100,368 mi
- 10/06/2023104,966 mi+4,598 mi
- 14/06/2024106,243 mi+1,277 mi
- 13/06/2025107,780 mi+1,537 mi
- 20/06/2025107,797 mi+17 mi
Average of roughly 2,689 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
F811 FTT 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 1988 Volkswagen Golf (F811 FTT) between September 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 June 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: Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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 Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the mileage
Prioritise a detailed chassis inspection. The 2024 MOT specifically flagged corrosion on the rear axle beam, which is a critical area for a vehicle of this vintage. You should also investigate the nature of the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in the 2025 records to determine if it is a simple gasket issue or something more systemic.
When reviewing the service history, look for evidence of rust prevention treatments or suspension work, given the previous issues with wheel bearings and shock absorber misting. Use the recurring exhaust leak advisory as a point for negotiation, as this will likely require a replacement section soon.
As a 1.8L petrol engine from 1988, fuel efficiency will be significantly lower than modern hatchbacks. Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age are typically higher due to the scarcity of some parts and the natural wear of vintage components.
Insurance for a classic Golf is often reasonable, and tax may be affected by its age. However, the potential for ongoing repairs to the exhaust and oil seals suggests a higher-than-average maintenance budget. Total annual running costs are estimated to be between £1,100 and £1,500.
The most critical area to inspect is the rear axle beam to assess the progression of the corrosion noted in June 2024. Additionally, check the rear shock absorbers, as 'light misting of oil' has been a recurring advisory since 2023, suggesting they are nearing the end of their service life.
Inspect the exhaust system for the minor leak mentioned in the 2025 MOT and check the engine bay for the oil leak noted in the same test. Finally, ensure the passenger door operates correctly from the outside, following the failure recorded in June 2025.
This red 1988 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L has recorded 107,797 miles. The MOT history reveals a recent failure in June 2025 involving wheel bearings and door mechanisms, and it continues to carry advisories for oil and exhaust leaks. Of particular note is the 2024 record highlighting corrosion on the rear axle beam.
The Golf model shows an average MOT pass rate of 80.8%, with exhaust systems being one of the top three most common failure points.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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