2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · FT62 GFZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test in November 2025 at 138,237 miles revealed multiple mechanical defects that were absent in the clean 2024 inspection. The presence of a binding nearside rear brake, thin pads, pitted discs, and a deteriorated offside front CV boot indicates that components are now reaching the end of their functional life and require immediate attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,000 miles per year. Between December 2023 and November 2025, the car covered 10,456 miles, maintaining a steady rate of use. While the 2022 and 2024 tests showed no defects, the 2023 advisory noting all four tyres were near the legal limit and worn edges suggests that the previous owner neglected basic consumable replacements until they were flagged by the DVSA tester. A buyer must specifically inspect the offside front drive shaft for signs of grease leakage, as the failed CV boot will lead to expensive joint failure if not replaced. The binding rear brake caliper and scored discs suggest the braking system is seizing, which can cause uneven wear and reduced stopping efficiency. Given the history of poor tyre management, a physical inspection of the current suspension bushes and the condition of the brake lines is necessary to ensure no further structural corrosion has developed from the high-mileage operation.