1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  23.5% All 1996 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  15.8% All 1996 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 1996 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.

• Flexible brake hoses1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  10% All 1996 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Front strut mounts and bushes13.3× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  4% All 1996 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0% of all 1996 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 swivel joints5.7× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  3.4% All 1996 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 1996 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 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• 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
  21% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

• 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1996 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?