2008 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · GV08 ULU
2008 Volkswagen Golf (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/05/2008. Recorded mileage 167,100 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Canterbury
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18/12/2023
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (15/11/2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 167,100 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2008
- Engine
- 1968cc
GV08 ULU Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/12/2022
- 167,100 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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GV08 ULU Mileage History
- 06/12/2021157,612 mi
- 14/12/2022167,100 mi+9,488 mi
- 19/12/2022167,100 mi
Average of roughly 9,167 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
GV08 ULU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Volkswagen Golf (GV08 ULU) between December 2021 and December 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 19 December 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (6 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust silencer insecure Rear silencer (8.1.1 (b) (i))”; “Emissions not tested due to exhaust leak (8.2.2.2 (e))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn lower arm rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise caution with this vehicle. High
Focus your investigation on the chassis and exhaust system. The December 2022 MOT failure was extensive, citing fractured rear coil springs and excessively worn lower arm rear bushes on both the nearside and offside. You should verify through receipts that these components were replaced rather than patched. The EGR valve area has also shown persistent exhaust leaks across both 2021 and 2022 records, which requires specific attention.
Check for evidence of the oil leak noted in the December 2021 MOT. Given the high mileage, ensure there is a documented history of timing belt and water pump replacements, as these are critical maintenance items for the 1.9L diesel engine that are not captured in MOT records but are essential for engine longevity.
The 1.9L diesel engine is known for its efficiency, but maintenance costs will likely be higher than average due to the vehicle's age and 167,100-mile odometer reading. You should budget for frequent replacement of wear-and-tear items; the MOT history already shows a pattern of worn brake discs and tyres nearing legal limits.
Annual costs will include diesel fuel, road tax based on the 2008 emissions bracket, and insurance. Given the high mileage and the history of suspension and exhaust issues, a higher contingency fund for repairs is recommended compared to a lower-mileage equivalent.
Prioritise an inspection of the suspension. Specifically, check the front lower suspension arm bushes and the rear coil springs, as these were the primary causes of the 2022 failure. Look for any signs of new corrosion or leaking dampers that may have developed since the last test.
Inspect the exhaust system, particularly around the EGR valve and the rear silencer, where leaks were recorded. Additionally, check the front tyres for uneven wear on the inside edges; the 2022 MOT record specifically noted this, which often indicates a need for wheel alignment or further suspension work. Finally, check the windscreen for the damage noted in the 2021 and 2022 tests to see if it has been repaired.
This silver 2008 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 Diesel has recorded 167,100 miles. The MOT history reveals a significant failure in December 2022 involving fractured coil springs, worn suspension arm bushes, and exhaust leaks. While it passed a subsequent test five days later, the recurring nature of these issues is typical for a high-mileage vehicle of this vintage.
The Volkswagen Golf has an average MOT pass rate of 80.8%, with common failures typically involving tyres, exhausts, and anti-roll bars.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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