2005 Volkswagen Bora 1.9L Diesel · SN05 AFC
2005 Volkswagen Bora (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01/08/2005. Recorded mileage 148,265 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN BORA
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18/09/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 148,265 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2005
- Engine
- 1896cc
SN05 AFC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/09/2025
- 148,265 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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SN05 AFC Mileage History
- 01/09/2021131,622 mi
- 31/08/2022136,425 mi+4,803 mi
- 07/09/2023141,042 mi+4,617 mi
- 20/09/2024148,052 mi+7,010 mi
- 15/09/2025148,265 mi+213 mi
Average of roughly 4,122 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SN05 AFC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Volkswagen Bora (SN05 AFC) between September 2021 and September 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 9 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2005 Volkswagen Bora 1.9L Diesel presents an unusually clean recent MOT history with five consecutive pass results and zero recorded defects from 2021 to 2025. With 148,265 miles recorded at its last test in September 2025, it represents a high-mileage diesel saloon that has managed its annual inspections without failure.
When inspecting this Volkswagen Bora, verify the physical service history documentation to cross-reference the mileage progression shown in the MOT certificates, noting that MOT tests only confirm compliance at the time of testing. Check the condition of the 1.896L diesel engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks, uneven idling, or cold-start issues, which are common areas of wear on higher-mileage diesel units of this era.
Negotiate on the basis of any impending consumable replacements, such as tyres, brakes, or suspension components that may not have appeared on recent MOT advisories but are expected given the vehicle's 148,265-mile odometer reading. Ensure all electrical features, including windows, central locking, and the heater blower, are fully operational before completing the purchase.
The 1896.0cc diesel engine in this Bora is known for generally strong fuel economy on longer journeys, which helps offset the higher mileage. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and insurance group ratings should be checked against current DVLA and insurer databases based on the specific 2005 registration details.
Maintenance costs will depend heavily on the frequency of future oil changes and timely replacement of wear-and-tear items like clutches and timing belts. Estimated annual running costs for a vehicle of this type covering standard UK mileage are approximately £1,200-£1,500, factoring in fuel, insurance, road tax, and routine servicing.
Examine the suspension bushes, dampers, and brake lines closely during a physical inspection, as these components endure considerable stress on UK roads despite the recent pass certificates showing no defects. Check the bodywork and structural underside around the sills and wheel arches for any corrosion, paying attention to the black paint finish for signs of previous repairs or fading.
Verify that the clutch operation is smooth and that the manual transmission engages all gears without hesitation. Listen for any excessive turbocharger whine or smoke from the exhaust system upon startup, as these can indicate upcoming mechanical expenses on higher-mileage diesel vehicles.
First registered in August 2005, this black Volkswagen Bora features a 1896.0cc diesel engine and has covered 148,265 miles by its September 2025 MOT. The vehicle's MOT record shows a sequence of five consecutive passes between 2021 and 2025, with no advisories or failures noted during this period. The recorded mileage sits at an expected level for a twenty-one-year-old diesel commuter car.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Volkswagen Bora specifically, though the 1.9-litre diesel engine configuration is generally recognized for durability when properly serviced.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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