2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  17.5% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  22.2% All 2001 cars

  12.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  9.5% All 2001 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Front strut mounts and bushes5.3× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  4.2% All 2001 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Steering rack inner joints2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  7.3% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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
  46% 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
  34% 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
  26% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?