Used car guide

2009 Volkswagen Golf: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 65% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) Stands out: shock absorbers 1.7×, ball joint dust cover 2.1×, link ball joint covers 2.6× 63,871 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 61% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) Stands out: suspension arm bushes and joints 1.6×, shock absorbers 1.8×, ball joint dust cover 2.3× 67,818 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2009 Volkswagen Golf

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Alarm that goes off by itself

    All engines

    The alarm can be temperamental. A dealer software update usually fixes it.

    At the viewing: Lock the car and leave it a few minutes during the viewing.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

  • Phone won't pair (early cars)

    All engines

    Some early Bluetooth systems don't recognise many phones, and the fix can cost around £500.

    At the viewing: Pair your own phone.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

  • Creaks from the front suspension

    All engines

    Dried-out suspension bushes creak over bumps, more in warm weather.

    At the viewing: Listen over speed bumps with the window down.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Golf compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
20231,017Tyres 14%
202226,616Tyres 27%
202157,768Tyres 27%
2020118,390Tyres 26%
2019158,276Tyres 26%
2018183,093Tyres 28%
2017208,069Tyres 28%
2016194,087Tyres 28%
2015201,242Tyres 29%
2014191,987Tyres 30%
2013164,395Tyres 31%
2012155,439Suspension 39%
2011150,967Suspension 46%
2010134,446Suspension 49%
2008120,651Suspension 48%
2007120,598Suspension 49%
200688,396Suspension 49%
200560,414Suspension 49%
200438,578Suspension 52%
200349,876Suspension 50%
200242,606Suspension 48%
200124,107Suspension 48%
200013,522Suspension 49%
19998,175Suspension 49%
19983,758Suspension 44%
19972,891Suspension 37%
19962,765Brakes 39%
19951,455Brakes 39%
1994838Brakes 37%
1993783Brakes 30%
19921,687Lights and electrics 28%
19914,953Brakes 26%
19904,834Lights and electrics 28%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–Too few tests
1975–Too few tests