CarVerify
CarVerify
Sign in Check a vehicle

Free Car Check

MEL 378W

1998 Volkswagen Golf

Yellow Petrol 1595cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires5 Dec 2025
Tests28 (20 pass, 8 fail)
Pass rate71.4%

Mileage

168,661 mi
Last recorded168,661 miles
Recorded on5 Dec 2024
Typical for 1998 Volkswagen Golf100,017 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationMEL 378W
MakeVolkswagen
ModelGolf
Year1998
ColourYellow
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,595cc
View full Volkswagen Golf reliability data Browse other 1998 Volkswagen Golf registrations

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

20 pass 8 fail
Pass 5 Dec 2024 168,661 miles

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

Front Inner Play in steering rack inner joint(s) both ()

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened both (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced fuel tank strap (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 3 Dec 2024 168,638 miles

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced wheel arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced body hole (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Exhaust silencer insecure back box (8.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Front Inner Play in steering rack inner joint(s) both ()

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened both (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced fuel tank strap (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 6 Dec 2023 160,722 miles

Central Rear Upper Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Exhaust silencer slightly loose box outer casing corroded (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 5 Dec 2023 160,722 miles

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

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

Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) worn down to wear indicator (1.1.13 (a) (i))

Central Rear Upper Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Exhaust silencer slightly loose box outer casing corroded (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 25 Nov 2022 151,985 miles

Central Rear Upper Stop lamp(s) light intensity obviously reduced (4.3.3 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play tie rod (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play tie rod (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 1 Dec 2021 143,713 miles

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

Nearside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play rack (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced behind wheel (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play inner and outer (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced behind the wheel (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 2 Dec 2020 137,105 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 4 Dec 2019 130,723 miles

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

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

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Fail 3 Dec 2019 130,719 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Pass 20 Nov 2018 121,129 miles

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Wheel bearing has slight play both rear (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 20 Nov 2018 121,115 miles

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

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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 Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Wheel bearing has slight play both rear (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 21 Dec 2017 121,161 miles

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

Nearside Obligatory mirror obscured but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) both ()

brake pipes greased

Fail 15 Dec 2017 112,082 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Obligatory mirror obscured but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) both ()

brake pipes greased

Pass 16 Dec 2016 100,732 miles

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

Fail 13 Dec 2016 100,716 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Pass 30 Nov 2015 90,704 miles

slight play in both rack ends

Pass 31 Dec 2014 80,717 miles
Pass 11 Feb 2014 74,583 miles

NEAR SIDE REAR TYRE IS CRACKED

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Pass 27 Feb 2013 70,492 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Pass 5 Mar 2012 65,180 miles
Pass 7 Mar 2011 59,843 miles

Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Steering rack end offside has slight play.

Fail 4 Mar 2011 59,839 miles

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

Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Steering rack end offside has slight play.

Pass 17 Feb 2010 56,970 miles
Fail 16 Feb 2010 56,970 miles

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

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

Pass 19 Feb 2009 55,778 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Pass 29 Feb 2008 54,547 miles

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

rear exhaust box bracket only just in rubber

Pass 28 Feb 2007 52,221 miles

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

rear exhaust mounting point just in rubber

Pass 3 Mar 2006 49,719 miles

There is slight play in the rack and the front offside track rod 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

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

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.

Get full report — £4.99 Single check — £9.99
£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

MEL 378W is a 1998 Volkswagen Golf in Yellow with a 1,595cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 71.4%.

Across all 1998 Volkswagen Golf models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.1% with a typical mileage of 100,017 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

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 MEL 378W, 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 28 years old, this Volkswagen Golf is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of MEL 378W?

You can check the full history of MEL 378W by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was MEL 378W registered?

MEL 378W is a 1998 Volkswagen Golf, first registered on 10 August 1998.

Is MEL 378W safe to buy?

The MOT history for MEL 378W shows 28 tests with a 71.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does MEL 378W 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 MEL 378W. 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.