1997 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Petrol · R488 UBL
1997 Volkswagen Golf (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 121,514 miles. MOT expired on 14 Nov 2012. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 14 Nov 2012
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 121,514 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- 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.
R488 UBL Key Findings
- 10 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/10/2011
- 121,514 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R488 UBL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
10 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volkswagen Golf (R488 UBL) between May 2006 and October 2011.
The record contains 6 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 25 October 2011 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (12 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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 Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)”; “Offside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)”; “Nearside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)”.
R488 UBL Mileage History
- 19/05/200690,415 mi
- 22/05/200690,420 mi+5 mi
- 25/05/200690,420 mi
- 31/10/200796,943 mi+6,523 mi
- 31/10/200796,943 mi
- 04/11/2008101,659 mi+4,716 mi
- 10/11/2008101,846 mi+187 mi
- 27/10/2009109,974 mi+8,128 mi
- 15/11/2010115,327 mi+5,353 mi
- 25/10/2011121,514 mi+6,187 mi
Average of roughly 5,722 miles per year across 10 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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