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E285 GHG

1987 Volkswagen Golf

Blue Petrol 1781cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires10 May 2027
Tests31 (17 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate54.8%

Mileage

153,543 mi
Last recorded153,543 miles
Recorded on11 May 2026
Typical for 1987 Volkswagen Golf117,027 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationE285 GHG
MakeVolkswagen
ModelGolf
Year1987
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,781cc

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

17 pass 14 fail
Pass 11 May 2026 153,543 miles

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

Fail 24 Mar 2026 153,540 miles

Brake load sensing valve linkage defective and function impaired (1.1.17 (a))

Central Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Position lamp light intensity significantly reduced (4.2.3 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded from flexi to cylinder (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded to flexi (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded to load valve (1.1.11 (c))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Front Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system front to rear (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 7 Dec 2024 149,214 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective Stone chip (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective Cracked (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front to rear pipe (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 12 Dec 2023 148,383 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material All pipes covered in grease (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Manifold has slight blow (6.1.2 (a))

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

Various corrosion under vehicle but ok at time of test

Pass 2 Dec 2022 141,209 miles
Fail 14 Nov 2022 141,201 miles

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Pass 11 Nov 2021 138,408 miles
Fail 10 Nov 2021 138,404 miles

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Fail 3 Dec 2020 138,386 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded Front to rear brake pipe corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Emissions not tested Exhaust blowing - No reading (8.2.1.2 (d))

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Top shock absorber mounting panel holed and weak by corrosion (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Top shock absorber mounting panel holed and weak by corrosion (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Outer sill holed and weak by corrosion (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Fail 1 Oct 2018 138,372 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting sill has hole in it (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Subframe mounting prescribed area so inadequately repaired that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected been welded (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 24 Jun 2016 138,361 miles

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

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

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

Rear wheel bearing has slight play both (2.6.2)

under chassis corroded various places

Fail 24 Jun 2016 138,361 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

Offside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

Rear wheel bearing has slight play both (2.6.2)

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

under chassis corroded various places

Fail 22 Jul 2015 136,952 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

both rear tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

n/s front wheel is stiff when rotated by hand

Pass 22 Jul 2015 136,952 miles

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

both rear tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

n/s front wheel is stiff when rotated by hand

Pass 24 Jul 2014 134,952 miles

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

Oil leak

Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

front discs are worn

Fail 23 Jul 2014 134,952 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)

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

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

Oil leak

Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

front discs are worn

Pass 23 Jul 2013 132,966 miles

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

both rear tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

exhaust system front and silencer

front discs are worn

n/s floor is corroded too excess (outside pescribed aera and not affecting braking or steering )

Fail 23 Jul 2013 132,966 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

both rear tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

exhaust system front and silencer

front discs are worn

n/s floor is corroded too excess (outside pescribed aera and not affecting braking or steering )

Pass 23 Jul 2012 129,710 miles

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

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

exhaust system is corroded and leaking slightly

front discs are worn

Fail 23 Jul 2012 129,710 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

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

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

exhaust system is corroded and leaking slightly

front discs are worn

Pass 27 Jul 2011 126,836 miles

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

Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

both front brake discs dust sheilds are insecure

both rear tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

Pass 29 Jul 2010 121,098 miles

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

Nearside Lower Front suspension has slight movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)

both front tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

front brake discs are worn

Fail 28 Jul 2010 121,098 miles

Brake valve leaking (3.6.A.1)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecurely mounted to its housing (2.5.C.1a)

front brake discs are worn

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

Nearside Lower Front suspension has slight movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)

both front tyres are wearing on inner edges of tread

Pass 13 Aug 2009 118,533 miles

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

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

Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

n/s front tyre is wearing on outer edge of tread

Pass 24 Jul 2008 176,265 miles

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)

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

Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Fail 24 Jul 2008 176,265 miles

Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

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)

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

Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Pass 23 Jul 2007 171,270 miles

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

Coolant leak

Engine/gearbox mounting(s) defective

Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Front Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.1.2c)

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

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

Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nail in offside front tyre

Oil leak

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Spare tyre defective

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

excessisv corroded outewr inner sills, x member, wheel archs, floors, inner wings, all brake pipes, chassis

Pass 16 Aug 2006 166,214 miles

Coolant leak

Engine/gearbox mounting(s) defective

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Oil leak

Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

excessiv corroded outer inner sills x member, wheel archs all brake pipes, chassis.

Fail 16 Aug 2006 166,214 miles

Coolant leak

Engine/gearbox mounting(s) defective

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Oil leak

Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

excessiv corroded outer inner sills x member, wheel archs all brake pipes, chassis.

Pass 23 Aug 2005 163,007 miles
Fail 23 Aug 2005 163,007 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Front Headlamp aim too low when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

coolant leaking

engine/gearbox mounting(s) defective

fuel pipes corroded

lot of under seal,excssisv corroded outer inner sills, wheel archs, x, member,brake pipes.

oil leak

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.

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E285 GHG is a 1987 Volkswagen Golf in Blue with a 1,781cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.8%.

Across all 1987 Volkswagen Golf models, the average MOT pass rate is 64.6% with a typical mileage of 117,027 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 E285 GHG, 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 39 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 E285 GHG?

You can check the full history of E285 GHG by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was E285 GHG registered?

E285 GHG is a 1987 Volkswagen Golf, first registered on 27 October 1987.

Is E285 GHG safe to buy?

The MOT history for E285 GHG shows 31 tests with a 54.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does E285 GHG 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 E285 GHG. 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.