2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.5L Petrol · JM02 BHM

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend regarding its suspension and braking components. While the most recent test on 3 September 2025 at 79,851 miles resulted in a pass, this followed a failure for a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber and corrosion on both rear brake hose ferrules. The progression from light oil misting on the shock absorber in September 2024 to a serious leak in 2025 indicates a component that has deteriorated from a minor advisory to a significant mechanical failure. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a typical usage pattern for a nine-year-old vehicle. The car has covered approximately 8,872 miles per year, moving from 31,039 miles in September 2020 to 79,851 miles in September 2025. This steady increase suggests regular road use rather than long periods of inactivity. The absence of significant gaps in the testing timeline implies the vehicle has been in consistent use throughout its life. A prospective buyer must carefully inspect the rear suspension system. The history of shock absorber failure suggests that other suspension components, such as bushes or coil springs, may also be nearing the end of their service life. The tester also flagged corrosion on the rear brake hose ferrules during the 2025 test. Given that brake hose integrity is critical for hydraulic pressure, a physical inspection of the entire braking system is necessary to ensure no further degradation or binding is present. The record also highlights a pattern of neglected tyre maintenance. The vehicle failed or received advisories for worn tyres in 2021, 2022, and 2024. While these are consumable items, the frequency of these entries suggests the previous owner occasionally deferred basic upkeep. Beyond the tyres, the focus should remain on the recent mechanical failures to ensure the repairs performed to secure the 2025 pass were comprehensive and not merely superficial.