1997 Volkswagen Golf 1.8L Petrol · R544 BVF
1997 Volkswagen Golf (1.8L, petrol). First registered 10 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 72,353 miles. MOT valid until 11 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 72,353 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.
R544 BVF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/12/2025
- 72,353 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R544 BVF 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 (R544 BVF) between December 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 December 2025 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: Suspension (10 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 24 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: “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
R544 BVF Mileage History
- 12/12/202365,975 mi
- 09/12/202470,801 mi+4,826 mi
- 09/12/202470,801 mi
- 11/12/202572,353 mi+1,552 mi
- 11/12/202572,353 mi
Average of roughly 3,191 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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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
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