2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.5L Petrol · SD68 WDR

The Volkswagen Golf’s most recent MOT tests—conducted just seven months ago on 27 October 2025—show an unusual but technically clean record, with both a pass and a fail logged at the same mileage (88,105). The fail entry is unusual, as no defects were recorded, suggesting either a rare administrative error or a test centre anomaly. Beyond that, the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass status across five consecutive tests since November 2022, with no recurring advisories or major faults. This implies that, at least in MOT terms, the car has been driven with sufficient care to avoid obvious mechanical failures, though the double entry at the same mileage warrants further clarification from the seller. The mileage progression of 88,105 miles over eight years reflects a steady annual average of approximately 11,000 miles, which is typical for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps or spikes in usage—each test occurred roughly 12 months apart, with mileage increases of around 1,500 to 1,600 miles per year. While this suggests regular driving rather than prolonged neglect, it also means that high-wear components like suspension bushes, brake pads, and tyres may now be approaching their expected service intervals. The lack of advisories in prior tests does not guarantee current condition, particularly for items like coil springs or subframe mounts, which are not routinely inspected under MOT but can degrade silently. Given the clean MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on suspension integrity and brake condition. The absence of advisories in prior tests does not preclude gradual wear in critical areas such as rear wheel bearings or steering rack seals, which are not MOT-tested but can lead to binding calipers or uneven tyre wear. Examine the suspension for cracked or compressed coil springs, deteriorated bushes, and signs of subframe corrosion—common issues in this model range. Brake discs should be checked for lateral run-out or excessive thickness variation, as repeated passes without advisories might mask early signs of warping or glazing. Finally, verify that the exhaust system remains structurally sound, particularly around the catalytic converter and downstream pipes, where hidden corrosion could lead to future emissions failures.