2002 Volkswagen Beetle 1.6L Petrol · SV52 AAJ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a clean pass on 21 April 2026 at 149,499 miles. This result represents an improving trend in maintenance, as the owner successfully addressed specific mechanical defects following previous failures. While the most recent failure just five days prior to the pass involved only minor bulb replacements for the stop and position lamps, the previous history indicates a period of reactive maintenance where faults were only addressed upon testing rather than through a proactive service schedule. At 149,499 miles over 24 years, the Beetle averages approximately 6,229 miles per year, which is consistent with low-to-moderate usage. The data shows a significant increase in activity between July 2024 and April 2025, where the car covered 1,245 miles in under nine months. While the low annual mileage suggests less mechanical wear on the drivetrain, the age of the vehicle means that rubber-based components are likely subject to degradation, which explains the suspension and tyre issues noted in the records. A physical inspection must focus on the front steering and suspension assembly, as the record shows persistent play in the steering rack inner joints and worn suspension arm bushes across 2024 and 2025. Although these were noted as not yet resulting in excessive movement, the buyer should verify if these parts were actually replaced or if the vehicle continues with worn components. The condition of the tyres also requires scrutiny, as previous tests flagged cracking and perishing, suggesting the rubber may be aging independently of remaining tread depth. The history of a supplementary restraint system warning lamp failing to illuminate in April 2025 is a critical point that must be verified now to ensure the airbag system is functional. Given the vehicle's age, the inspector should also check the chassis for structural corrosion in the sills and mounting points, as these areas were not specifically highlighted in the recent advisories but are common failure points for this era. The recurring issues with wiper blades and bulbs suggest that basic consumable items are only replaced when they directly threaten an MOT pass.