2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · FN65 FEJ

The most recent DVSA MOT, conducted on 18 February 2026, resulted in a pass, with only two advisories recorded – a deteriorated rear registration plate and a light misting of oil from the nearside front shock absorber. Over the seven‑year MOT record the vehicle has consistently passed, but a pattern of recurring advisories is evident, notably the gradual oil seepage from the front shock, progressive wear on the rear brake discs and pads, and tyre condition alerts. While no outright failures have been logged since the 2020 windscreen‑wiper failure, the accumulation of wear‑related advisories suggests a maintenance regime that has kept the car roadworthy but is beginning to require attention to wear items rather than fundamental faults. At 93 050 miles the Golf averages roughly 8 500 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical usage envelope for a 2015 model. The mileage progression appears steady, with no large spikes that would indicate periods of intensive use, and the relatively modest annual figure reduces the likelihood of accelerated drivetrain or engine wear. Nevertheless, the combination of age and mileage means that consumables such as suspension bushings, engine mounts and timing components are likely approaching the latter stages of their service life and should be inspected for signs of fatigue or corrosion. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front shock absorber that is noted to be misting oil; a visual inspection should confirm whether the seal is compromised and whether the shock is delivering consistent damping. During a test drive, listen for a soft thump or clunk when traversing bumps, and feel for any excessive dive or bounce that could indicate reduced shock performance. The rear brake discs and pads have been flagged as worn and pitted on several occasions, and the off‑side rear brake was noted as binding; this combination can lead to uneven braking feel, pedal pulsation or a slight pull to one side under hard braking. Measure the disc thickness and pad remaining material, and verify that the calipers move freely without dragging. Tyre condition also warrants immediate attention – the nearside front tyre is close to the legal tread limit and the rear tyres were previously identified as perishing. Check for sidewall cracks, dry rot and tread depth across the whole tyre set; replacement may be advisable before the next service interval. Beyond the specific advisories, a vehicle of this age should be examined for age‑related deterioration. Inspect the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and verify its cranking voltage, as prolonged standing can reduce capacity. Examine the suspension bushings, ball joints and engine mounts for any looseness or excessive play, which can manifest as clunking noises over uneven surfaces. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are within specification and consider a full fluid change if service records are lacking, since fluids degrade over time even without high mileage. Finally, ensure the rear registration plate is replaced if it shows any fading or damage that could affect legibility, completing the vehicle’s compliance for future MOTs.