2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · KF66 DDA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 October 2025, was passed but recorded an advisory that the nearside front shock absorber exhibited a light misting of oil. This same advisory has appeared on the front‑right shock absorber in each of the three preceding annual tests (2024, 2023 and 2022), while all other items have remained free of defects. The pattern suggests a stable but persistent issue with the front‑right damper rather than a deteriorating overall condition; the vehicle has otherwise met the statutory requirements without failure. At 92,575 miles on a 2017 Golf, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 10,300 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage band of 8‑12 000 miles per annum. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, indicating the car has not spent prolonged periods idle that might have accelerated age‑related wear. The mileage level does imply that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension components will be approaching the latter stages of their service life and should be inspected with that expectation in mind. The recurring oil mist on the nearside front shock absorber warrants close examination. Look for any visible oil on the shock body, surrounding suspension arms or the wheel arch, and check for a loss of firmness when applying pressure to the front wheel – a soft or “mushy” feel can indicate internal seal wear. During a test drive listen for clunking or excessive bounce over bumps, particularly on the right‑hand front corner, and observe whether the car settles quickly after a cornering maneuver. If the oil mist persists, the damper will likely need replacement within the next few thousand miles to avoid reduced ride quality and uneven tyre wear. The front tyre advisories from 2019 also suggest that the original tyres may have been close to the legal tread limit at that time; given the elapsed years, both front tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing or tread depth below 1.6 mm, and a full set replacement is advisable if any signs of age‑related degradation are present. Beyond the specific advisories, a nine‑year‑old Golf with just under 100 000 miles should be checked for age‑related items. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for dry rot, especially if the car has spent time standing, and verify that the tyre pressures are correct and that the wheels are free of corrosion on the rims. Examine the battery for sulphation and confirm it holds a healthy charge, as long‑term storage can reduce capacity. Assess the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding; any uneven pad wear may point to sticking pistons. Finally, confirm that the service history shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes, and consider a full fluid flush (engine oil, gearbox, brake and coolant) if the records are incomplete, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage.