1997 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Petrol · R404 ADV
1997 Volkswagen Golf (1.6L, petrol). First registered 30 Sept 1997. Recorded mileage 57,659 miles. MOT valid until 08 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 57,659 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- 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.
R404 ADV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/03/2026
- 57,659 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R404 ADV 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 (R404 ADV) between October 2022 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 March 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: Lighting (7 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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: “Nearside Headlamp reflector seriously defective insecure (4.1.1 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))”.
R404 ADV Mileage History
- 06/10/202233,980 mi
- 10/06/202437,293 mi+3,313 mi
- 23/05/202548,121 mi+10,828 mi
- 25/02/202657,608 mi+9,487 mi
- 09/03/202657,659 mi+51 mi
Average of roughly 6,918 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: 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.
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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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