2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · LP18 FDC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test on 31 July 2025 at 42,921 miles passed immediately after a failure just three miles prior. While the car passed, the appearance of multiple hardware-related defects, including shock absorber leaks and tyre degradation, indicates that the owner is only addressing faults once they trigger an MOT failure rather than performing routine inspections between tests. The mileage profile is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,365 miles per year. Data shows a significant gap between the August 2023 test at 28,056 miles and the July 2024 test at 36,048 miles, followed by another 6,873 miles covered by July 2025. This low usage suggests minimal mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, but it increases the risk of age-related components failing, as seen in the recent record. A buyer must specifically inspect the offside front suspension and the rubberwork. The tester flagged the offside front shock absorber in July 2025 for light misting of oil, which is a precursor to a total seal failure and fluid loss. Furthermore, the nearside rear and offside front tyres were noted for cracking and perishing. Because the car has low mileage, these tyres are likely failing due to dry rot rather than tread wear, necessitating immediate replacement to ensure structural integrity and grip. The buyer should also verify the washer system has been fully repaired, as this was a point of failure in the previous test.