1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Headlights2.7× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  17% All 1999 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  21.2% All 1999 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering rack inner joints3.2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  10.4% All 1999 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  15.1% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  11.9% All 1999 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Bora petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?