2005 Volkswagen Bora: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Volkswagen Boras, from 1,157 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Volkswagen Boras than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usualVolkswagen Bora15.4% All 2005 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Track rod ends1.9× usualVolkswagen Bora11.4% All 2005 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Front strut mounts and bushes4.1× usualVolkswagen Bora3.3% All 2005 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Steering rack2.6× usualVolkswagen Bora4.1% All 2005 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Side repeaters2.1× usualVolkswagen Bora3.8% All 2005 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Suspension arm: 1.9% here, against 4.1% of all 2005 cars.
By area
The share of 2005 Volkswagen Bora MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes44% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics37% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Driveshafts and joints16% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 831 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 787 | Suspension 49% |
| 2002 | 645 | Brakes 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Volkswagen Boras registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score