2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  15.8% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3.3% of all 2005 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.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  12% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.

• Exhaust system1.6× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  15.5% All 2005 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Steering rack2.8× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  4.2% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2005 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 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  37% 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
  29% 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
  18% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 2.2× as often on the 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2005 Volkswagen Bora diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?