2015 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L Diesel · ST65 CWA

The most recent MOT on 24 July 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the past three years the record shows a marked improvement: a serious failure in September 2023 for a non‑functioning engine MIL and a severely worn front brake disc was followed by a series of advisory items in 2024 and clean passes in 2025 and 2026. The trend is therefore stabilising, with the major faults apparently remedied, although tyre and brake wear advisories persist and should be monitored. At 131 620 mi the Golf has accumulated roughly 12 000 mi per annum, which sits squarely within the typical usage pattern for an eleven‑year‑old family hatchback. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables is likely to be consistent with its age rather than the result of intermittent standing. This mileage level places the vehicle in the mid‑to‑high wear bracket for components such as brake discs, suspension bushes, and tyre tread, meaning that replacement of these items may be approaching. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the front and rear tyres. The near‑side front tyre has been flagged for sidewall damage on several occasions and the off‑side front tyre was noted as close to the legal tread limit in 2024; both should be measured for tread depth and examined for cracking, bulging or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. The rear brake disc on the off‑side was advised as pitted in 2024 and the rear service brake showed fluctuation, so a visual check of disc thickness and surface condition, together with a road test for any pulsation or pull on the brake pedal, is essential. The front brake disc was recorded as significantly worn in the 2023 failure; confirm that it has been replaced or resurfaced and that the pads are of adequate thickness. Listen for any clunking over bumps that could reveal deteriorated coil springs or bushings, and verify that the steering feels tight without excessive play. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough review of time‑based items is advisable. Inspect the 12 V battery for corrosion and test its cranking voltage, as batteries older than ten years often lose capacity even with moderate use. Check the condition of all engine fluids – coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – as they degrade with time and may require flushing regardless of mileage. Verify that the service book shows regular oil changes and, if the model is equipped with a timing belt, confirm that it has been replaced in line with the manufacturer’s interval (typically around 60‑80 000 mi). Finally, ensure that the engine management light is currently extinguished and that a diagnostic scan returns no pending codes, which would indicate that the 2023 MIL fault has been fully resolved.