2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  14.1% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Exhaust system1.7× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  16.9% All 2003 cars

  10%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Windscreen2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  8.1% All 2003 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Steering rack2.7× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  4.3% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes3.3× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  3% All 2003 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  47% 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
  39% 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
  31% 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
  19% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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 2003 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 2.1× as often on the 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?