2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · RO17 FVC

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of deferred attention to wearable components. The most recent test in May 2026 at 59,551 miles shows a pass despite multiple advisories for thin rear brake pads and worn discs throughout. While the car consistently passes its inspections, the recurring nature of brake-related defects across several years suggests the owner only addresses these components once they approach a failure threshold rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,600 miles per year. Between May 2023 at 37,446 miles and May 2026 at 59,551 miles, the car covered 22,105 miles, indicating steady, low-intensity usage. This low annual mileage explains the presence of rubber-related issues, such as the perishing of tyres noted in multiple tests, as these materials often degrade due to age and exposure rather than purely mechanical wear. A buyer should specifically inspect the front and rear shock absorbers, as the record shows a light misting of oil on the offside front unit since at least 2024, with the offside rear also flagged in 2023. This indicates a slow seal leak that will eventually require replacement in pairs. Additionally, the 2023 advisory regarding a non-excessive oil leak warrants a physical check of the engine block and gearbox housing to ensure the leak has not worsened over time. Given the repeated advisories for rear brake discs and pads, a thorough brake service should be performed to determine the remaining life of the current components.