1997 Volkswagen Golf 2.8L Petrol · P453 BCK
1997 Volkswagen Golf (2.8L, petrol). First registered 25 Jun 1997. Recorded mileage 176,021 miles. MOT expired on 30 Sept 2025.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Sept 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 176,021 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- 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.
P453 BCK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/10/2024
- 176,021 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (22 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P453 BCK 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 1997 Volkswagen Golf (P453 BCK) between September 2022 and October 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 October 2024 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 (22 issues), Lighting (17 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 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 Position lamp light intensity significantly reduced (4.2.3 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 ”; “Offside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
P453 BCK Mileage History
- 01/09/2022166,224 mi
- 01/09/2022166,225 mi+1 mi
- 29/08/2023175,316 mi+9,091 mi
- 12/09/2023175,323 mi+7 mi
- 02/10/2024176,021 mi+698 mi
Average of roughly 4,695 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf Mk4 (1J)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Door Lock Microswitch Internal Solder Joint FractureModerate
The microswitch inside the integrated door latch mechanism suffers from cracked solder joints and worn plastic cams, preventing the car from registering whether the door is open or closed.
- Electric Window Regulator Plastic Runner Clip ShearingModerate
Factory window regulator clips were molded from fragile plastic that cracks over time, causing the window glass to drop suddenly into the door cavity and jam.
- Front Anti-Roll Bar Plastic Bush Collar Cracking & KnockingModerate
The front anti-roll bar on early Mk4s features plastic bonded collars beneath the rubber bushes that crack and allow road grit in, corroding the bar and causing severe clunking over bumps.
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