2009 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · WR09 CDK

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 17 December 2025 resulted in a pass, although the vehicle carries one Minor defect and four advisory items that warrant close attention before purchase. Looking at the broader four-year MOT history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with consistent passes annually, but there is a noticeable upward trajectory in advisories relating to brake disc wear, tyre condition, suspension corrosion, and drive shaft integrity. The 2025 test specifically flagged severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot, which although classed as Minor at present, will progress to a fail if neglected and points to either joint contamination or imminent grease loss. The accumulating advisories across suspension components, brake discs, exhaust integrity, and undertrays obscure further inspection suggest that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, it is entering a phase where multiple systems are showing the expected cumulative wear of a seventeen-year-old car. With recorded mileage of 104,492 miles spread across approximately seventeen years, this Golf averages around 6,147 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates neither excessive motorway abuse nor prolonged periods of standing unused. The mileage progression across the recorded MOT entries shows consistent, moderate accumulation, suggesting regular rather than sporadic use, which is generally favourable for preventing the worst effects of calendar-based degradation such as seized brakes, perished seals, and stale fluids. However, the age of the vehicle now outweighs the relatively modest mileage in terms of rubber and polymer degradation, and components subject to time-based wear will still require attention regardless of how few miles have been covered annually. Given the recurring nature of brake disc wear advisories appearing on both front discs in 2022 and now both rear discs in 2025, a prospective buyer should anticipate that disc replacement, or at minimum resurfacing, is approaching and should budget accordingly. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal under firm application, particularly from the rear axle, and check visually for lipping on the disc edges and any binding caliper symptoms such as pulling to one side or excessive heat smell after driving. The 2024 advisory regarding front suspension arm ball joint play both sides should be re-inspected by elevating the vehicle and checking for vertical and horizontal movement at the joints, with attention to any clonking over speed bumps or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. The recorded front inner tyre wear close to legal limit, combined with rear tyre perishing and cracking, strongly suggests a full set of replacement tyres will be required, and perishing in particular is an age-related failure mode that can affect sidewalls even with adequate tread depth. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-related inspections are essential. The 2023 oil leak advisory, although not excessive, should be traced to its source, as Volkswagen Golf engines of this era are prone to cam chain tensioner and rear main seal seepage, and any fresh oil evidence on the undertrays or sump area warrants further investigation. The exhaust minor leak should be checked at the manifold and front flex pipe for ticking on cold start that diminishes as the system warms. The vehicle should be examined on a ramp or with undertrays removed to assess structural and suspension component corrosion beyond surface level, given the 2024 advisory noting general surface corrosion and corroded suspension components, particularly in wheel arch inner seams, subframe mounting points, and brake line routing. Finally, irrespective of the clean MOT history in this area, verify the timing belt replacement interval history, as the 1.4 and 1.6 TSI petrol and common rail diesel units fitted to this generation require replacement typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles or every four to five years, and confirm that brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable have been refreshed on a calendar basis, as age-related fluid degradation is a leading cause of failure in vehicles of this vintage.