2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Hybrid electric · HN67 LSY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 December 2025, was passed but returned three advisories – a slightly damaged or perishing off‑side rear tyre, missing rear under‑tray bolts and a note that the rear brake pads are wearing thin. Looking back through the five‑year record the vehicle failed in December 2022 for a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber, but thereafter the MOTs have all been passes with only advisory items. This suggests that the major fault was addressed and the car has settled into a relatively stable maintenance pattern, although the accumulation of tyre‑related advisories points to progressive wear that will need attention soon. At 81 015 miles for a 2017 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9 000 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would indicate periods of heavy short‑term abuse, but the relatively modest annual figure also raises the possibility that the car has spent extended periods standing still, especially given the age of nine years. Prolonged inactivity can promote corrosion on suspension bushings, brake discs and under‑tray fittings, and can also accelerate tyre perishing even when tread wear is modest. Prospective buyers should give the tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. The off‑side rear tyre is flagged as having edge damage and possible sidewall perishing; look for cracks, bulges or loss of structural integrity, and verify that the tread depth on all four tyres exceeds 1.6 mm and is even across the tread face. The off‑side front tyre is already close to the legal limit and shows edge wear, so replacement is likely imminent. While checking the tyres, also confirm that the rear under‑tray bolts are present, correctly torqued and that the under‑tray itself shows no signs of rust‑through or loose fittings, as missing bolts can allow road debris to strike the chassis. On a test drive listen for any clunking or excessive bounce from the rear suspension, which could indicate that the previous shock absorber leak was not fully resolved or that other dampers have begun to deteriorate. Examine the rear brake pads for remaining thickness; thin pads can lead to reduced braking efficiency and may cause the discs to overheat, so any pulsation, squeal or shudder when applying the brakes should be noted. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive check of time‑related components is prudent. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and have the charge held under load; a nine‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Verify that the coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids can degrade even without mileage, leading to reduced cooling performance and potential corrosion inside the system. Finally, request the service book or receipts to confirm regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and any suspension component replacements that may have been carried out after the 2022 shock absorber failure. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a fully reliable condition.