2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Petrol · SA51 AOK
2001 Volkswagen Golf (1.6L, petrol). First registered 10/09/2001. Recorded mileage 141,516 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20/09/2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 141,516 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1598cc
SA51 AOK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/09/2025
- 141,516 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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SA51 AOK Mileage History
- 22/08/2022116,032 mi
- 22/08/2022116,032 mi
- 14/08/2023125,582 mi+9,550 mi
- 10/09/2024132,117 mi+6,535 mi
- 22/09/2025141,516 mi+9,399 mi
Average of roughly 8,258 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SA51 AOK 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 2001 Volkswagen Golf (SA51 AOK) between August 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 22 September 2025 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: Tyres (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are a mechanically-minded buyer. While the Golf is a classic choice, the history of structural damage and recurring emission issues suggests a car that has struggled significantly.
When inspecting this Golf, your primary focus must be structural integrity. The 2024 MOT noted integral body structure deformation on all four outer sills; while it said rigidity wasn't significantly reduced, this indicates significant past impact or advanced rust. You should check for bubbling paint around the sills and wheel arches.
Investigate the service history thoroughly. The 2022 MOT failures regarding an inoperative MIL light, high hydrocarbons, and lambda readings suggest serious sensor or catalytic converter issues that are expensive to rectify. Ensure these were actually fixed rather than just cleared. Also, check the front oil leak mentioned in the last two tests to see if it is a simple seal or a more costly gasket failure.
The 1600cc petrol engine is relatively simple but thirsty by modern standards; you can expect around 35-40 MPG depending on driving. As a 2001 vehicle, it likely falls into a lower tax band, but insurance groups can be moderate depending on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs will be high due to the vehicle's age and the recurring issues seen with suspension, exhaust leaks, and brake pipes. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £1,100-£1,300 to cover fuel, tax, insurance, and routine repairs.
Pay very close attention to the underside. The 2024 advisory noted a corroded rear brake pipe covered in grease, which is often a red flag for an attempt to hide rust. Check all brake lines for corrosion. Ensure the anti-roll bar linkage has been replaced, as it was flagged as worn in 2025.
Check the exhaust system thoroughly. A 'minor leak' has been noted every year since 2022, suggesting the flexi-pipe or manifold is in poor condition. Additionally, inspect the engine bay for the front oil leak noted in the 2024 and 2025 tests to determine the rate of loss.
This 2001 Volkswagen Golf is a high-mileage example that has covered 141,516 miles in its 25 years. While it passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals significant concerns, including structural deformation in the outer sills and multiple engine-related failures in 2022. The persistence of oil leaks and exhaust issues indicates a vehicle that is reaching the end of its economical operational life.
The Mk4 Golf is generally considered robust, but early petrol models are prone to structural rust and electrical sensor failures as they age.
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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