1996 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L Petrol · P895 CVO
1996 Volkswagen Golf (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1996. Recorded mileage 102,617 miles. MOT valid until 08 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 102,617 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- 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.
P895 CVO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/04/2026
- 102,617 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (16 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P895 CVO 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 1996 Volkswagen Golf (P895 CVO) between October 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (16 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 38 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.
P895 CVO Mileage History
- 18/10/202291,163 mi
- 25/10/202393,593 mi+2,430 mi
- 13/11/202496,970 mi+3,377 mi
- 10/04/2026102,617 mi+5,647 mi
- 10/04/2026102,617 mi
Average of roughly 3,294 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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
Proceed with caution. While the mileage
Potential buyers should prioritise investigating the persistent oil leak, which has been documented in four consecutive MOT tests (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2026). This suggests a long-term issue that has not been fully resolved. You should also request evidence of any remedial work carried out to address the extensive corrosion noted on the sub-frame and rear axle in 2022, as these are critical structural areas.
Given the vehicle's age and the repeated advisories for anti-roll bar pins and suspension bushings, budget for a comprehensive suspension overhaul. Negotiate the price based on the imminent need to replace the worn and pitted front brake discs and the deteriorating offside front CV boot mentioned in the April 2026 report.
As a 1.8L petrol model from 1996, this Golf will have higher fuel consumption and emissions than modern equivalents. It falls into an older tax bracket based on engine size, and while insurance groups for a vehicle of this age are typically low, the lack of modern safety features may impact some policies.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the vehicle's age and the specific wear patterns seen in the MOT history. Between recurring oil leaks, suspension degradation, and corrosion management, the annual upkeep will exceed that of a newer hatchback. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and anticipated repairs, are likely to be significant.
Perform a detailed inspection of the underside, specifically focusing on the sub-frame and rear axle suspension arm brackets to see if the corrosion noted in 2022 has progressed. Check the offside front CV boot for tears and inspect the front brake discs for the pitting and scoring mentioned in the most recent MOT.
Listen for knocks or clunks during a test drive, as the MOT history shows chronic wear in the anti-roll bar pins and suspension bushings across both the front and rear axles. Finally, check the engine bay and under-tray for active oil leaks, as this has been a constant advisory for several years.
This red 1996 Volkswagen Golf with a 1.8L petrol engine has recorded 102,617 miles. The MOT history is characterised by a recurring oil leak noted in every test since 2022 and widespread advisories regarding suspension wear. A 2022 test highlighted extensive corrosion across the sub-frame, coil springs, and suspension components.
The Golf generally maintains a reasonable pass rate (80.8%), though this specific vehicle aligns with the model's common failure pattern regarding anti-roll bar components.
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
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