2011 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · FR11 EXW

The 2025‑05‑28 MOT at 106,260 miles resulted in a pass, but the tester flagged slight play in the near‑side and near‑side rear anti‑roll bar ball joints, a severely deteriorated off‑side front CV joint boot, binding near‑side rear service brake, a damaged off‑side front mirror and fuel weeping from the engine. These recurring defects, together with earlier reports of tyre wear and brake binding, indicate a maintenance trend that is stable yet deteriorating rather than improving. The mileage trajectory shows a typical annual average of about 7,000 miles for a 15‑year‑old vehicle, yet the jump from the December 2022 test at 82,742 miles to the January 2024 test at 99,330 miles added 16,588 miles in just over two months, suggesting periods of heavy use or extended standing. Earlier periods from 2015 to 2022 display a steadier increase, but the recent acceleration points to inconsistent usage patterns. A buyer should therefore examine the condition of the anti‑roll bar ball joints and CV joint boot for play or deterioration, inspect the rear brake calipers and discs for binding or excessive wear, verify tyre tread depth and edge wear, check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission, assess shock absorber damping and any oil misting, and look for structural rust or corrosion that could affect chassis integrity. Given the frequency of tyre and suspension advisories and the presence of binding brakes, the vehicle warrants close scrutiny of wear items and safety‑critical components before purchase, as the current record reflects ongoing mechanical concerns rather than a clean, low‑mileage example.