1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

481 MOT tests in 2024. 65.7% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time65.7%
Failed or needed repairs34.3%
Typical mileage at test104,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 481 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.1%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low2.7%
  6. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.5%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.5%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.3%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high2.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics26.4%
  2. Brakes23.9%
  3. Suspension16.0%
  4. Body & chassis14.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  7. Steering4.0%
  8. Tyres4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.5%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play11.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 65.7% of 1995 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 481 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1995 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).