2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · FN12 LAA
2012 Volkswagen Golf (1.6L, diesel). First registered 01/03/2012. Recorded mileage 89,843 miles. MOT valid until 11/04/2027. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Nottingham
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11/04/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 89,843 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 1598cc
FN12 LAA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/04/2026
- 89,843 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
FN12 LAA Mileage History
- 27/03/202375,095 mi
- 03/04/202375,163 mi+68 mi
- 29/03/202481,611 mi+6,448 mi
- 12/04/202587,586 mi+5,975 mi
- 04/04/202689,843 mi+2,257 mi
Average of roughly 4,880 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
FN12 LAA 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf (FN12 LAA) between March 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 April 2026 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 (4 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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 Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this vehicle, prioritise a physical inspection of the suspension system. The MOT history shows a progression from a 'serious fluid leak' in a shock absorber in 2023 to 'light misting of oil' on both rear shocks in 2025. You should check if these components have been replaced recently or if they are nearing the end of their service life.
Negotiate based on the recorded tyre issues. The 2023 record indicates tyres that were both worn close to the legal limit and damaged/perishing. Check the current tread depth and age of all four tyres. Additionally, ask for evidence of any work carried out to address the anti-roll bar linkage and the windscreen damage noted in previous tests.
As a 1.6L diesel, this Golf is designed for efficiency, likely sitting in a moderate insurance group and tax band suitable for long-distance commuters. Fuel economy should be relatively strong, though actual costs will depend on driving style and maintenance.
Maintenance costs for this model typically involve regular servicing of the diesel engine and potential replacement of wear-and-tear items like tyres and suspension components, which have appeared in this vehicle's history. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, are approximately £1,400-£1,700.
Focus heavily on the suspension and steering. Given the 2023 failure regarding the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage and the 2025 advisories for rear shock absorber oil misting, look for any signs of weeping or leaking fluid around the dampers. Test the car on a bumpy road to listen for knocks or clunks that might indicate worn bushings or joints.
Secondly, inspect the tyres and wheels. The vehicle has a history of inner-edge tyre wear and perishing rubber, which can sometimes indicate an alignment issue. Check the current condition of the windscreen as well, as it has been noted as damaged in two separate MOT tests (2023 and 2024).
This 2012 blue Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI has covered 89,843 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,175 miles per year. The MOT history shows a mix of passes and failures, including a failure in March 2023 for tyres, anti-roll bar components, and a serious shock absorber leak. Although the 2026 MOT was passed without defects, previous advisories regarding shock absorber oil misting suggest ongoing attention may be needed for the suspension.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.8% MOT pass rate, with common failure points including tyres, exhausts, and anti-roll bars.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (FN12 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as FN12LAA.
CHEVROLET
CRUZE
JAGUAR
XF
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
NISSAN
JUKE
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
FORD
KUGA
AUDI
A1
LAND ROVER
5 DOOR AUTO ESTATE
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
PEUGEOT
207