2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · SD62 AEB

A recurring theme of front‑suspension arm wear, tyre edge wear and intermittent brake‑binding shows up on every MOT, and the most recent October 2025 test still passed while retaining the nearside front suspension arm pin/bush advisory. Earlier failures for a damaged windscreen and a rough off‑side rear wheel bearing illustrate that the vehicle has not been free of substantive defects, although the pattern of advisories has remained broadly consistent rather than escalating dramatically. At 96,948 mi the car averages just under 7,000 mi per year, a figure that sits comfortably within normal usage for a 2012 model. The MOT chronology reveals no long gaps in testing, suggesting the mileage has been recorded fairly continuously. This moderate annual accumulation means wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension bushings will be in line with typical expectations, but the repeated tyre‑edge advisories indicate that the current tread depth is approaching the legal limit and may need replacement soon. Prospective buyers should give the front suspension a thorough once‑over: listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering column, and check for uneven tyre wear that could confirm the pin/bush wear noted on the nearside. The rear brake binding advisory calls for a pedal‑feel test – any pulsation, dragging or a higher than normal pedal effort could point to a sticking caliper or worn pads. The off‑side rear wheel bearing that failed in August 2023 should be re‑checked by rotating the wheel by hand; any roughness, grinding or play would require bearing replacement. The off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint, flagged as excessively worn in 2022, should be inspected for looseness or a knocking sensation when the car is driven over uneven surfaces. The windscreen damage recorded in 2023 and again as a major failure in 2024‑10‑03 must be examined for cracks or chips that impair the driver’s view, especially in rain or at night. The TPMS warning light, first noted in 2021, should illuminate correctly on the dashboard; a persistent light may indicate a faulty sensor or tyre pressure issue that could mask an underlying tyre‑wear problem. Finally, verify that the undertrays do not conceal rust or damage to the chassis, as the 2021 advisory noted they prevented full inspection. Addressing these specific items before purchase will give a clearer picture of the Golf’s remaining service life and any imminent maintenance costs.