Used car guide

2006 Volkswagen Bora: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Volkswagen Boras, from 156 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 156 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

156MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
7,100typical miles a year
44%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2006 Volkswagen Bora MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% 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.

  • Brakes
    43% 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 electrics
    39% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    22% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    15% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Volkswagen Bora?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20051,157Suspension 48%
2004831Suspension 50%
2003787Suspension 49%
2002645Suspension 48%
2001408Suspension 47%
2000276Suspension 50%
1999130Brakes 45%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Volkswagen Boras registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score