2004 Volkswagen Bora 1.6L Petrol · GV54 VKA

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2026‑01‑26 recorded a PASS alongside a FAIL on the same day, highlighting an unresolved defect portfolio. Brake‑related items dominate the record: front pads thin, front and rear discs worn or pitted, and rear brake pipes corroded. Oil leakage persists, while the offside front CV joint boot is severely deteriorated and suspension bushes on both rear axle beams show wear. Lighting faults remain, including non‑functioning front position lamps and misaligned headlamp beams, plus defective lenses on both sides. The engine MIL is intermittently inoperative and an ABS warning appeared in 2020. This pattern indicates a stable but deteriorating condition rather than improvement, with recurring mechanical wear and unresolved electrical faults. Mileage progression reflects low usage for a 22‑year‑old car. From 83,692 miles in January 2018 the vehicle added roughly 4,700 mi by early 2019, then 5,600 mi to reach 93,944 mi in January 2020. After a brief gap, mileage rose to 97,502 mi by December 2020, then to 100,876 mi in January 2022 – a modest increase of 3,374 mi over two years. A larger jump of 7,859 mi occurred between January 2023 and February 2025, before the final 3,464 mi to 116,155 mi in January 2026. The average annual mileage of about 5,280 mi is well below typical wear expectations, suggesting long periods of storage or limited duty cycles. Testing intervals also show gaps of roughly 11 months to 2 years, indicating inconsistent MOT activity. A prospective buyer should prioritise a hands‑on inspection of the brake system. The thin front pads and worn rear discs demand immediate attention; a brake‑pad change and disc resurfacing or replacement are likely required. The corroded rear brake pipes need flushing and replacement to prevent leakage. The severe deterioration of the offside front CV joint boot signals imminent failure of the drive‑shaft joint, requiring replacement before it compromises traction. Suspension wear is evident in both rear axle beam bushes; a thorough inspection for play and noise is essential. The persistent oil leak should be examined for source and severity, and the engine’s intermittent MIL warrants a diagnostic scan for stored codes. Finally, verify that all lighting functions correctly, headlamp aim is within specification, and the registration plates are legible despite their deteriorated condition.