2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · LG67 CXD

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf presents a generally sound mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 31 July 2025 at 65,687 miles, where it passed with only a minor advisory. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though a recurring issue with the offside rear shock absorber warrants attention. That component was flagged for light oil misting in both the August 2023 test at 47,459 miles and again in the July 2025 test at 65,687 miles. The advisory has persisted across nearly two years and 18,000 miles without escalating to a failure, suggesting a slow, non-critical seepage rather than a sudden catastrophic loss of damping. The vehicle has not suffered any dangerous structural or braking failures in its recorded history. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a nine-year-old car. Between the July 2022 test at 37,965 miles and the July 2025 test at 65,687 miles, the car covered 27,722 miles in three years, averaging roughly 9,240 miles per annum. This sits slightly above the typical 8,000-mile annual benchmark but remains well within normal parameters for a petrol or diesel family hatchback. There are no suspicious gaps in the record that would suggest the car sat unused for extended periods or that the odometer has been tampered with. The steady annual increments point to regular, sustained use. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. The July 2024 failure at 57,475 miles exposed two distinct issues: an offside front tyre worn below the 1.6mm legal limit and a nearside front tyre with exposed ply or cords. This combination suggests the car was driven for some time with under-inflated or misaligned front tyres, or that the tracking was out of specification. The August 2023 advisory reinforced this pattern, with both front inner tyres worn close to the legal limit and worn on their inner edges. Inner-edge wear is a classic symptom of excessive toe-out or worn suspension bushes and track rod ends. A thorough check of the front lower arms, bushes, and steering rack gaiters is advisable, along with a four-wheel alignment check. The persistent offside rear shock absorber advisory is not an immediate cause for rejection, but it should not be ignored. Light misting indicates the damper seal is beginning to weep. Over time, this can progress to oil saturation of the unit, reducing its damping effect and compromising rear axle composure over uneven surfaces. A buyer should inspect the shock absorber body for wet, oily residue and check the condition of the coil spring and top mount. The rear suspension should be bounce-tested to confirm the damper is still controlling body movement effectively. Beyond these items, the MOT record is clean, with no emissions, braking, or structural corrosion defects noted at any point.