1997 Volkswagen Golf 1.9L Diesel · R372 AEG
1997 Volkswagen Golf (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 238,286 miles. MOT expired on 13 Oct 2023. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Oct 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 238,286 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.
R372 AEG Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 16/10/2023
- 238,286 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 15 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R372 AEG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volkswagen Golf (R372 AEG) between October 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 October 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (11 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 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 Rear Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened rear beam near bush (5.3.3 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”.
R372 AEG Mileage History
- 14/10/2022229,516 mi
- 16/10/2023238,286 mi+8,770 mi
Average of roughly 8,730 miles per year across 2 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.
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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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