2011 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · SH11 YFT

The vehicle is currently not roadworthy, having failed its MOT on 7 January 2026 at 132,140 miles with five defects. This represents a clear deterioration in condition from its previous MOT history. The most recent test identified a fractured near-side rear coil spring, excessively worn off-side front anti-roll bar ball joint, worn suspension bushes on multiple arms, a corroded exhaust clamp, and a corroded front brake hose ferrule. This pattern indicates worsening structural and suspension integrity, moving beyond minor advisories to failures affecting safety-critical components. Mileage accumulation is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 8,809 miles annually. A notable gap exists between the December 2024 tests and the January 2026 test, covering roughly 11,575 miles over 13 months. This lower recent usage contrasts with the severity of the latest failure, particularly the fractured coil spring, which suggests age-related material degradation rather than high-mileage wear is the primary factor affecting the suspension and exhaust systems. A buyer must prioritise an in-person inspection of the near-side rear coil spring for any cracks or fractures, as this is a structural failure. All suspension arms and bushes, especially the front near-side and rear units repeatedly flagged, must be checked for excessive play or deterioration. The off-side front anti-roll bar ball joint requires immediate assessment for wear. Furthermore, the front brake hoses must be examined for corrosion at the ferrules, and the exhaust clamp inspected for significant corrosion that could compromise the system's integrity. The recurring suspension bush wear across multiple tests points to a likely underlying issue with alignment or loading that needs diagnosis.