2011 Volkswagen Golf S Bluemotion TDI 1.6L Diesel · FT11 BYB

The most recent MOT, conducted on 31 January 2026 at 125,773 miles, returned a clean pass with zero defects. This is a significant improvement over the November 2023 test cycle, where the vehicle failed on brake pads and carried multiple advisories. The maintenance trend over the last two years is clearly improving. The tester flagged no new issues in January 2026, suggesting the previous advisories have been addressed rather than simply deferred. The vehicle has covered roughly 11,847 miles between the November 2022 test at 113,926 miles and the January 2026 test at 125,773 miles, averaging approximately 3,949 miles per year over that three-year window. This is noticeably lower than the vehicle's lifetime average of around 8,385 miles per year. The gap between the November 2023 and November 2024 tests shows just 1,848 miles added in a full year, which may indicate lighter use or a period of limited driving. The mileage record is consistent with no obvious odometer irregularities. The November 2023 failure and advisory notices point to suspension components requiring attention at that time. Both front suspension arm rear bushes were worn, the nearside front shock absorber was misting oil, and rear brake pads were below the 1.5 mm minimum. The clean January 2026 result suggests these items were repaired or replaced. A buyer should still physically inspect the front suspension bushes and shock absorbers for any renewed play or oil seepage, particularly the nearside unit. The offside rear tyre was flagged as perishing or cracking in November 2023, so the current tyre condition, including age-related sidewall degradation, deserves close scrutiny. The reversing lamp was also inoperative during the 2023 failure, so confirming all external lamps function correctly remains worthwhile.