2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · SE66 RCF

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-02-09, but the maintenance trend is worsening, particularly concerning tyre condition. Two consecutive tests — 2023 and 2026 — flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit, with identical wording indicating edge wear. This suggests either persistent alignment issues, improper inflation, or a pattern of neglect in tyre rotation or replacement. While no other major defects were recorded in the intervening years, the recurring tyre wear is a red flag for potential underlying mechanical imbalance or suspension misalignment. The mileage progression shows a steady climb from 30,408 miles in 2022 to 52,800 miles in 2026, averaging roughly 5,867 miles per year — a low figure for a nine-year-old vehicle. This implies the car has seen relatively light use, which generally reduces wear on major components. However, the fact that tyre wear has appeared at both 37,418 miles and 52,800 miles — with no intervening defects — suggests the tyres may have been allowed to degrade beyond safe limits without replacement. There are no signs of rapid mileage accumulation or long gaps in testing, which supports the notion of consistent, if cautious, usage. A buyer should inspect the front suspension bushes and alignment, as edge tyre wear often correlates with worn suspension components or incorrect tracking. The rear brakes should also be checked for binding or uneven pad wear, since the MOT tester flagged rear brake issues in 2023 — a detail not repeated in 2026, but still worth verifying. The absence of structural corrosion or exhaust emissions failures is reassuring, but the persistent tyre condition warrants a full inspection of the wheel alignment and tyre pressure monitoring system. Brake discs and calipers should be measured for thickness and binding, especially if the car has been driven on uneven surfaces or in wet conditions. Overall, the car’s mechanical integrity appears intact, but the tyre wear pattern indicates a maintenance oversight that could escalate into a safety risk if ignored. The low annual mileage is a positive, but it does not excuse the repeated failure to replace tyres before they reached the legal limit. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on suspension geometry, brake system health, and a full tyre and wheel balance check to ensure no hidden alignment or wear issues have been masked by the vehicle’s otherwise clean MOT history.