2004 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · SD54 CWL

The 2025‑01‑29 MOT at 184,253 miles failed, rendering the vehicle not roadworthy. Repeated failures on structural rust, tyre tread, brake balance and fuel hose security indicate a worsening maintenance pattern rather than improvement, as earlier passes in 2024 showed similar rust but omitted these critical defects. The mileage has risen from 148,618 miles in December 2018 to 184,253 miles in January 2025, an average annual increase of about 5,090 miles, which aligns with typical usage for a 22‑year‑old car. Notable jumps include a 5,249‑mile increase between the 2023‑01‑14 test (176,843 miles) and the 2024‑01‑13 test (182,092 miles), and a further 1,099 miles in the six months to the 2025‑01‑29 test, suggesting periods of heavy use or standing, while the absence of records between 2023 and 2024 points to possible gaps in documentation. A buyer should examine the sills and front integral body structure for corrosion that, while not reducing rigidity, may compromise long‑term durability, and inspect the rear sub‑frame, suspension arm pins and bushes, which have been flagged repeatedly despite being described as not seriously weakened. The 2025 test also recorded an obviously incorrect headlamp aim, an insecure fuel hose that poses a fire risk, and imbalanced front brakes, all of which merit immediate verification; tyre tread depth was recorded below the 1.6 mm legal limit on all four wheels in the 2024 failure, indicating worn tyres that should be replaced before purchase.