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C118 VPL

1988 Volkswagen Golf

Green Petrol 1800cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires8 May 2026
Tests28 (14 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate50%

Mileage

188,823 mi
Last recorded188,823 miles
Recorded on12 Feb 2026
Typical for 1988 Volkswagen Golf118,644 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC118 VPL
MakeVolkswagen
ModelGolf
Year1988
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,800cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

14 pass 14 fail
Fail 12 Feb 2026 188,823 miles

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively both (3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Floor excessively deteriorated numerous holes (6.2.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Inner Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill/floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear Position lamp slightly affected by the operation of another lamp both (4.2.3 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 9 May 2025 187,256 miles

Front Lower Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive all underside coroded (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Wheel bearing has slight play both sides (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 29 Apr 2025 187,252 miles

Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor pan (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Front Lower Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive all underside coroded (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Wheel bearing has slight play both sides (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 25 Mar 2024 185,676 miles

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly loose (3.3 (b) (i))

some corrosion to n/s centre floor, not within a prescribed area

Pass 1 Oct 2021 185,663 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement TOP MOUNT (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement REAR BUSH (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement TOP MOUNT (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement REAR BUSH (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

REAR FLOOR PANS CORRODED

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 28 Sep 2021 185,663 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength INNER ARCH (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength FLOOR PAN (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength INNER SILL (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Other passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength INNER SILL (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement TOP MOUNT (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement REAR BUSH (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement TOP MOUNT (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement REAR BUSH (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

REAR FLOOR PANS CORRODED

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 30 Oct 2020 181,978 miles

Nearside Front Upper Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 16 Oct 2020 181,978 miles

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Offside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Macpherson strut pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength upper arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Upper Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 3 Oct 2019 176,876 miles

Front chassis legs corroded outside of prescribed areas

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 26 Sep 2019 176,876 miles

Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 16 May 2019 176,874 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Driver's seat with a defective structure (6.2.5 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Offside Front Driver's seat with a defective structure (6.2.5 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Obligatory mirror slightly loose (3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 7 Sep 2017 175,534 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside Outer Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Outer Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

slight inter acting on rear lights

surface corrosion on underside of vehicle also thick underseal

surface corrosion round engine compartment

Pass 19 Aug 2016 170,487 miles
Fail 4 Aug 2016 170,453 miles

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded Inner sill/Floorpan (5.2.6)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Pass 9 Sep 2014 166,821 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Rear Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

both front brakes partially binding

engine running poor

extensive surface corrosion underside

Pass 8 Apr 2013 153,203 miles
Fail 8 Apr 2013 153,200 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Exhaust noisy (7.1.4)

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

centre exhaust bung broken

fuel tank straps corroded

Pass 27 Mar 2012 149,746 miles
Fail 26 Mar 2012 149,742 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1c)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1c)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Oil leak

base of drivers door corroded.

corrosion throughout vehicle structure.

test terminated due to throttle linkage detachment.

Pass 12 Jan 2011 146,203 miles
Fail 4 Jan 2011 145,652 miles

Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Inner Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted) (2.2.A.1b)

Oil leak

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

corrosion throughout vehicle structure

front anti roll bar bushes perished

steering rack worn

Pass 17 Dec 2009 142,285 miles
Fail 17 Dec 2009 142,282 miles

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

Offside Rear An item not tested (Manual)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

corrosion throughout vehicle structure

Pass 9 Dec 2008 138,887 miles
Fail 8 Dec 2008 138,885 miles

Bonnet retaining device ineffective (8.4.2)

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Fuel hose leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Drivers door lock faulty

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

corrosion o/s front lowe door edge

engine oil leak

n/s rear disce stone guard missing

o/s & n/s front brakes binding

o/s rear brake hose not fully secured

rear exhaust support perrished

unable to open o/s rear door

Pass 17 Dec 2007 130,475 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 22 Dec 2006 121,876 miles
Fail 5 Dec 2006 121,874 miles

Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (8.4.1)

Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure (3.3.B.1a)

Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

engine oil leak

fuel pipes heavily corroded

slight play in n/s steering rack end

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Golf?

Based on 22,270,993 MOT tests across 1,787,037 vehicles.

74.9%
Pass Rate
6,735
Miles/Year
37
Year Lifespan
1,787,037
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 700,382
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 301,629
Stop lamp not working 260,234
position lamp(s) not working 257,206
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 229,092
Full Volkswagen Golf reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

C118 VPL is a 1988 Volkswagen Golf in Green with a 1,800cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 50%.

Across all 1988 Volkswagen Golf models, the average MOT pass rate is 63.7% with a typical mileage of 118,644 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Volkswagen Golf fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 700,382 recorded failures. If you're considering buying C118 VPL, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Golf typically stays on UK roads for around 37 years. At 38 years old, this Volkswagen Golf is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of C118 VPL?

You can check the full history of C118 VPL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C118 VPL registered?

C118 VPL is a 1988 Volkswagen Golf, first registered on 21 November 1988.

Is C118 VPL safe to buy?

The MOT history for C118 VPL shows 28 tests with a 50% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C118 VPL have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on C118 VPL. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.