2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · FE62 CWZ

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf holds a current MOT valid until 25 September 2026, having passed its most recent test on 25 September 2025 at 165,377 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but shows a recurring pattern of minor wear items rather than serious mechanical failure. The tester flagged rear brake pads wearing thin and underbody corrosion front to rear in the latest test, both of which are typical advisories on a fourteen-year-old vehicle of this mileage. No dangerous or major defects have been recorded in the last five years, suggesting the car has been kept in generally serviceable condition. Mileage accumulation is remarkably consistent, averaging roughly 11,800 miles per year, which is typical for a daily-use family car. Between the September 2024 test at 156,385 miles and the September 2025 test at 165,377 miles, the car covered 8,992 miles in twelve months, indicating regular use without long periods of inactivity. The earlier record shows a gap of approximately 8,847 miles between September 2022 and August 2023, which remains within a normal annual range. There are no suspicious mileage jumps or gaps that suggest odometer tampering or prolonged standing. The most persistent theme in the MOT record is suspension wear. The offside front lower suspension arm rear bush was flagged as worn but not resulting in excessive movement in both the September 2022 and September 2024 tests, suggesting this component may have a limited service life on this particular car. The nearside front bush received a similar advisory in 2024. A buyer should have the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and drop links inspected in person, paying close attention to any knocking or vagueness over bumps. Tyre wear has also appeared repeatedly, with both front tyres noted as worn close to the legal limit in August 2023, indicating the car may be driven in a way that scrubs the fronts or that alignment settings are slightly off. The rear brake pads wearing thin in the most recent test and the underbody corrosion advisory are the two items that demand immediate attention. A buyer should request a detailed inspection of the rear braking system, including caliper slide pins and disc condition, and examine the underside for any structural corrosion, particularly around subframes, suspension mounting points, and inner wing seams. Surface rust on a Golf of this age is common, but the tester's note of corrosion front to rear suggests it is widespread rather than isolated. Addressing these items promptly will keep the car safe and prevent minor advisories from escalating into costly failures.