2016 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · SD66 YRG

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 25 July 2026 at 79,130 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester flagged nearside and offside front tyres as worn close to the legal limit and noted light misting from the nearside front shock absorbers. Prior to this, the car passed its July 2025 test at 74,542 miles with no defects, continuing a clean run that began in July 2024 (70,295 miles) and July 2023 (60,766 miles). However, the record reveals a concerning dip in 2022 when the vehicle failed at 54,202 miles due to multiple brake disc wear issues, non-functional stop and position lamps, and an emission test that could not be completed. This suggests a period of neglect or deferred maintenance before returning to consistent passing grades in the subsequent years. Mileage progression indicates an average of approximately 7,913 miles per year over the decade, aligning with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The most significant acceleration occurred between July 2021 (46,605 miles) and July 2022 (54,202 miles), where 7,597 miles were recorded in just one year. A larger jump followed from 54,202 miles in July 2022 to 70,295 miles in July 2024, suggesting either increased usage or a potential MOT gap during that interval. Despite this, the recent steady accumulation of around 4,500 miles annually points to more routine, if not particularly low, utilisation. Prospective buyers should prioritise inspection of the front tyres, which are now approaching the legal tread depth threshold and may require immediate replacement. The recurring presence of shock absorber oil misting in both 2020 and 2026 tests raises concerns about damping performance and potential strut or mount wear that could affect handling and ride quality. Brake system integrity warrants attention, particularly the front discs which were flagged in 2022 and 2020, and the rear discs noted in 2020 and 2023. Additionally, verifying the condition of suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and checking for any signs of undercarriage corrosion or structural fatigue not evident in the MOT record would provide a more complete assessment of the car’s mechanical health.