2008 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · SP08 VLA
2008 Volkswagen Golf (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2008. Recorded mileage 109,678 miles. MOT valid until 14 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Dundee
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 14 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 109,678 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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SP08 VLA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/03/2026
- 109,678 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SP08 VLA 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 2008 Volkswagen Golf (SP08 VLA) between March 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 05 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn both (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7”; “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the”.
SP08 VLA Mileage History
- 03/03/202392,945 mi
- 22/02/202499,604 mi+6,659 mi
- 07/03/2025107,608 mi+8,004 mi
- 04/03/2026109,678 mi+2,070 mi
- 05/03/2026109,678 mi
Average of roughly 5,566 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to sign
Given the recent MOT failure in March 2026, you must verify that all reported issues—specifically the suspension arm bushes, shock absorbers, and track rod ends—have been professionally repaired and not just passed on advisory. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the potential upcoming costs of addressing the noted corrosion on the rear sub-frame and coil springs.
Request a detailed service history to see if the 1.4L petrol engine has had regular oil changes, as these smaller engines can be sensitive to maintenance gaps. Check the CV boot and anti-roll bar components specifically, as these were highlighted in the 2026 failure record.
The 1390cc petrol engine is generally positioned in a lower insurance group and tax band compared to larger capacity Golfs, making it relatively economical for daily commuting. However, recent MOT data suggests that maintenance costs may be higher than average due to recurring suspension and brake component wear.
Expect typical fuel economy for a 2008 petrol Golf, but budget extra for suspension repairs. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and a buffer for the observed mechanical wear, is approximately £1,200-£1,500.
A primary focus must be on the underside of the vehicle. The 2026 MOT history explicitly notes corrosion on the rear sub-frame and both rear coil springs. You should inspect these areas closely for structural integrity beyond just surface rust.
Additionally, inspect the front suspension and steering. The recent failure included a split nearside front drive shaft CV boot and a damaged track rod end dust cover. Ensure the nearside rear shock absorber has been replaced, as a serious fluid leak was recorded in the March 2026 failure. Finally, check the condition of the brake discs, as multiple MOT tests have flagged them as pitted or scored.
This 2008 black Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol has covered 109,678 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,175 miles per year. While the 2025 MOT was clean, the most recent 2026 test revealed a high number of advisory items and a failure related to multiple suspension components and corrosion. The vehicle's history shows a pattern of wear in braking and suspension systems.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.8% MOT pass rate, with common failures typically involving tyres, exhausts, and anti-roll bars.
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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