1999 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · S133 DKN
1999 Volkswagen Golf (1.4L, petrol). First registered 30 Jan 1999. Recorded mileage 102,684 miles. MOT valid until 26 Aug 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 102,684 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- 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.
S133 DKN Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/08/2026
- 102,684 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S133 DKN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Volkswagen Golf (S133 DKN) between March 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 August 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: Suspension (4 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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 Front Brake hose excessively chafed (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Brake hose excessively chafed (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.1.2 (d))”.
S133 DKN Mileage History
- 04/03/2024101,029 mi
- 18/03/2024101,044 mi+15 mi
- 07/03/2025101,640 mi+596 mi
- 28/08/2026102,684 mi+1,044 mi
Average of roughly 666 miles per year across 4 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is reasonable for the age, the persistent history of structural corrosion and recurring mechanical failures suggests a vehicle nearing the end of its practical road life.
The primary concern for this vehicle is the underbody. The most recent MOTs flag corrosion on the front and rear vehicle structures as well as the sub-frame. While currently marked as 'not seriously weakened', rust is a progressive issue that often leads to expensive structural repairs. You should have a specialist perform a thorough underside inspection to determine the depth of the rust beyond surface surface.
Check the service history meticulously. The car has a history of emissions issues and oil leaks, which could suggest engine wear or poor maintenance. Furthermore, investigate the passenger airbag which has been noted as 'switched off' since at least 2024; this is a significant safety concern that must be addressed by a professional to determine if there is a costly fault or simply a deactivated system.
As an older 1.4-litre petrol model, fuel economy should be modest, likely achieving between 35-40 MPG. The tax band is typically low for this displacement older car, and insurance groups for this era are generally affordable compared to modern equivalents.
However, maintenance costs may be high due to the age of the vehicle. The history of worn suspension components and exhaust issues suggests you should budget for frequent repairs. Estimate an annual running cost of £900-£1,200 including fuel, tax, and occasional repairs.
Focus heavily on the chassis and suspension. The MOT history explicitly mentions corrosion on the front structure, rear structure, and rear sub-frame. Look for bubbling paint or visible metal on the sills and wheel arches. Inspect the front suspension arms, which have been flagged for corrosion multiple times in recent years.
Check the braking system and emissions health. The 2024 failure was due to chafed brake hoses; ensure these have been replaced and are not merely patched. Given the multiple failures in emissions tests, a cold start is vital to ensure the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors are functioning correctly. Also, verify why the airbag warning light is on the dashboard.
This 1999 Volkswagen Golf 1.4cc has covered over 101,000 miles, which is relatively standard for its age. However, the MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of structural corrosion across the front and rear frames and sub-frames. Repeated failures regarding emissions, brake hoses, and suspension components indicate a car that has suffered from reactive maintenance rather than proactive preventative care.
The Mk4 Golf is generally known for its robust build quality, but the smaller 1.4cc engines can be prone to wear if compared to the larger petrol variants.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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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 1999 model year cars.
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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.
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On 1.8 20v Turbo GTI and 150/180bhp models, extended service intervals bake oil into carbon sludge, which clogs the narrow mesh gauze of the oil pickup strainer in the sump, starving the top end and turbocharger of oil.
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