1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Wheel bearings2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  15.2% All 1994 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Steering swivel joints8.4× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  4.2% All 1994 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 1994 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 bushes13.3× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  4% All 1994 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0% of all 1994 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  7.5% All 1994 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 3.5% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  7.6% All 1994 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.7% of all 1994 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 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  22% 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 an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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 1994 Volkswagen Golf 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 wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.4× as often on the 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 13.3× as often on the 1994 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?