2016 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · X121 AHA

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend, evidenced by the increasing complexity and severity of defects in the most recent MOT tests. While the car passed its test on 23 April 2026 at 115,452 miles, the preceding failure on the same day highlighted significant mechanical neglect. The tester flagged seriously weakened rear brake discs and thin brake pads on both the nearside and offside rear, alongside a failed rear fog lamp and a worn suspension arm bush. This follows a 2025 test at 108,761 miles where the nearside rear brake disc was already noted as worn and pitted. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 11,500 miles per year. The records show steady usage from 60,050 miles in February 2020 to the current 115,452 miles. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, though the frequency of minor failures has increased as the vehicle has aged. The transition from clean tests in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to multiple failures in 2025 and 2026 suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of higher component wear. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and rear suspension. The history of pitted, scored, and eventually weakened brake discs suggests that the rear braking components may not have been replaced proactively. The recent advisory regarding a worn offside front suspension arm bush indicates that further suspension component replacements, such as control arms or bushes, may be required soon. Tyre condition also warrants attention. The records show recurring issues with perishing or damaged tyres, specifically noted in the April 2026 test and the April 2025 test. Given the history of shock absorber misting in 2019 and recent suspension wear, a physical check of the dampers and all suspension bushings is necessary to ensure no further structural or mechanical deterioration has occurred since the last inspection.