2003 Volkswagen Bora 1.9L Diesel · OV03 GLF
2003 Volkswagen Bora (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 2003. Recorded mileage 153,015 miles. MOT expired on 04 Dec 2024.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN BORA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 04 Dec 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Aug 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 153,015 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
OV03 GLF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/12/2023
- 153,015 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
OV03 GLF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Volkswagen Bora (OV03 GLF) between December 2021 and December 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 04 December 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (8 issues), Bodywork (7 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Outer Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within ”; “Offside Rear Brake lining(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))”.
OV03 GLF Mileage History
- 01/12/2021147,680 mi
- 02/12/2021147,682 mi+2 mi
- 05/12/2022149,617 mi+1,935 mi
- 05/12/2022149,617 mi
- 04/12/2023153,015 mi+3,398 mi
Average of roughly 2,659 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution. This vehic
Prospective buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the bodywork and underside. The December 2021 MOT record specifically noted excessive corrosion that seriously affected the strength of the offside front wheel arch; you must verify that this was professionally repaired and not merely patched.
Check for evidence of the oil leak that was flagged as an advisory in both 2021 and 2022. Given the age and mileage of this 1.9L diesel, ensure there is a clear record of timing belt and water pump replacements, as these are critical for this engine's longevity.
The 1.9L diesel engine typically offers good fuel economy for its era, though as a 2003 model, it will not benefit from the lower tax brackets of newer vehicles. Insurance groups for the Bora are generally moderate, making it relatively affordable to cover.
However, maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this specific car. The history of corrosion and brake wear suggests that ongoing expenditure on structural repairs and wearable components will be necessary to keep the vehicle roadworthy.
Perform a detailed check of the wings and wheel arches, as corrosion was noted in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 MOT tests. Use a torch to inspect the front sub-frame and the lower integral body structure, which were flagged for corrosion in 2021 and 2022.
Inspect the braking system thoroughly, specifically the discs and pads, which caused a failure in December 2022. Additionally, check the rear coil springs and shock absorbers, both of which were recorded as corroded in previous tests.
This silver 2003 Volkswagen Bora has covered 153,015 miles. Its MOT history shows a recurring pattern of corrosion affecting the wings, sub-frame, and chassis, alongside persistent oil leaks. While it passed its most recent test in December 2023, the record indicates a history of multiple failures related to basic maintenance and structural integrity.
Aggregate data for the Bora is unavailable, but this specific vehicle's history highlights significant susceptibility to chassis and body corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (OV03 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as OV03GLF.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.