2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · MJ67 DFX

A consistent pattern of tyre-related advisories defines the MOT history of this 2017 Volkswagen Golf, with rear-axle wear and perishing flagged at three of the last four tests. The most recent pass on 1 October 2025 noted both rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit on the edges, repeating edge-wear advisories recorded on the nearside and offside front tyres in March 2022 and mirroring perishing noted on the rear pair in 2024 and 2022. There are no suspension, brake, corrosion, exhaust, or structural advisories on file, and the vehicle has passed every test without any recorded failures. Mechanically, the picture is one of a car that has remained compliant on safety-critical items while displaying a chronic tendency towards premature or uneven tyre deterioration, particularly on the rear axle. With 119,392 miles accumulated over nine years, this Golf has averaged roughly 13,266 miles per year, a figure well above the typical UK annual mileage of 7,000 to 9,000 miles and indicative of sustained high-mileage use such as motorway commuting or long-distance driving. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record to suggest long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic. This level of usage places greater demand on the consumables that have already shown wear, particularly tyres, and increases the likelihood that braking components, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts will be closer to the end of their service life than they would be on a lower-mileage equivalent. High-mileage Mk7 Golfs also warrant close attention to the dual-mass flywheel and clutch assembly on manual variants, as well as the mechatronics unit on the DSG automatic, though neither can be assessed from the MOT record alone. A prospective buyer should treat the rear tyres as a near-certain replacement requirement and budget accordingly. Edge wear on both front and rear axles across multiple tests suggests a persistent alignment or geometry issue, so a four-wheel laser alignment check should be commissioned, and the rear suspension geometry, including trailing arm bushes and the rear axle cradle, inspected for wear that could be driving the uneven tread pattern. Perishing of the rear tyres noted in 2022 and 2024 indicates the car may have been standing for periods between tests, or that the tyres fitted were of an age susceptible to sidewall deterioration, so any replacement rubber should be confirmed as recently manufactured. On a test drive, listen for clonks or thuds from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as these would point to worn trailing arm or anti-roll bar bushes, both known weak points on high-mileage Mk7 chassis. Given the sustained annual mileage, the braking system deserves a thorough physical inspection even though it has never been flagged. Check the rear brake discs for lipping and corrosion, as high-mileage Golfs frequently show surface rust and wear on the rear discs that can lead to judder under braking, and feel for any pulling to one side or a soft pedal that could indicate sticking calipers or a hydraulic issue. Inspect the underbody for any emerging corrosion on the subframe, suspension arms, and brake pipes, particularly around the rear axle where road salt accumulates, and examine the engine and gearbox for oil leaks from the sump, cam chain tensioner area, and gearbox seals. Finally, verify that the timing chain has been replaced or at least inspected, as this is a recognised service item on higher-mileage TSI and TDI engines of this generation, and confirm the service history includes the appropriate long-life or fixed-interval maintenance to support the recorded mileage.