2016 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · JB04 BAK

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening condition regarding suspension and braking wear components. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 68,905 miles passed, it introduced a new advisory for thin offside front brake pads. This follows a persistent issue with the offside rear shock absorber, which showed light misting of oil in both 2024 and 2025, indicating a leak that is progressing towards failure despite not yet being replaced. The mileage pattern is remarkably consistent for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,890 miles per year. The record shows steady usage between tests, with a 7,680-mile interval between September 2023 and September 2024, and another 8,133 miles between September 2024 and September 2025. This regular interval suggests the car is used for standard commuting rather than sitting for long periods, which is generally beneficial for the health of rubber-based components and mechanical seals. A buyer must physically inspect the offside rear shock absorber, as the recurring misting over two years suggests the internal seal is failing and will soon require replacement. The 2024 failure due to worn front tyres and a structural cut indicates that the previous owner neglected basic tyre maintenance until the MOT forced action. Given the recent advisory for thin offside front brake pads, a full inspection of the braking system is necessary to ensure the discs have not been scored or damaged by the pads reaching their wear limit.