2021 Volkswagen Golf Life TSI 1.5L Petrol · GD21 CWC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 December 2025, was a Pass but it carried two advisories concerning the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal limit and the nearside front tyre showing early cracking or perishing. This represents an improvement on the 27 November 2024 test, which failed on a number of major items – the supplementary restraint system warning lamp, hazard warning lights, rear fog lamp, position lamp and the electronic parking‑brake indicator. Although the vehicle now clears the test, the presence of repeated tyre advisories and the earlier electrical failures suggest that the maintenance trend is stabilising but still requires careful attention to the highlighted systems. At 66 655 miles the Golf is roughly five years old, giving an average annual mileage of about 13 300 miles. This is well above the typical UK average of 8‑10 000 miles per year and indicates a relatively high level of wear for its age. The accelerated mileage will have contributed to faster degradation of consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, as well as increased stress on the suspension bushings, engine mounts and drivetrain components. Any periods of low usage would be evident from gaps in the recorded mileage, but the consistent accumulation points to regular, probably spirited, use. Prospective buyers should give the front tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for tread depth approaching the 1.6 mm legal minimum, especially on the off‑side tyre edge, and examine the nearside tyre for any cracks, dry rot or perishing of the sidewalls – a condition that can progress rapidly in older tyres regardless of tread depth. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that may indicate uneven wear, and feel for a loose or wandering steering feel that could signal worn steering rack bushings or mis‑aligned suspension geometry. The earlier electronic faults mean the SRS module, hazard lights, rear fog lamp, position lamp and electronic parking‑brake system should be re‑checked; confirm that all warning lamps illuminate briefly on ignition, that the SRS warning lamp remains extinguished after start‑up, and that the parking‑brake indicator is steady. Any lingering fault codes will need to be cleared by a qualified technician, and replacement of faulty bulbs or a diagnostic reset of the electronic parking‑brake may be required. In addition to the tyre and electrical items, inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or excessive thickness variation, and verify that the pads have sufficient material. Examine the suspension for any cracked or collapsed coil springs, worn bushings, and ensure there is no excessive play in the ball joints or control arms. Given the vehicle’s age, check the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage; a battery older than three years may be nearing the end of its service life. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals – fluid degradation can occur even with modest mileage, especially if the car has spent extended periods idle. A full service book with recent stamps will give confidence that these time‑based items have been addressed, reducing the risk of unexpected failures after purchase.