2008 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · SA08 DGZ

The most recent MOT on 2026-05-08 was a pass at 112,339 miles — but both front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear, indicating uneven contact likely tied to alignment or suspension issues. A clear, worsening pattern emerges across the last three years: progressive corrosion affecting critical structural and suspension components. The rear subframe has been noted as corroded since 2024, and lower suspension arms (both sides) were corroded in 2025 — now joined by front coil spring and Macpherson strut corrosion dating back to 2024. Most seriously, the 2024-02-16 failure recorded holed outer sill corrosion compromising structural rigidity — a major safety concern that was apparently repaired before the next test, but no evidence of repair verification is present. The trend is worsening. Corrosion is spreading across multiple load-bearing parts: subframe, suspension arms, coil springs, struts, and previously the sill. Brake binding appeared in 2025 and hasn’t recurred — but it’s a red flag for seized calipers or deteriorating hoses, especially with age and low annual mileage. At 112,339 miles over 18 years (~6,241 miles/year), the mileage is typical — neither unusually low nor high. That makes corrosion more likely due to environmental exposure or poor underbody protection than lack of use, though extended static periods could accelerate rust where moisture traps. There’s no evidence of hard use (e.g., repeated brake or suspension failures), but also no sign of proactive corrosion management.