2001 Volkswagen Bora: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volkswagen Bora?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  12.9% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  13.5% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Front strut mounts and bushes4.9× usual
  Volkswagen Bora

  3.9% All 2001 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2001 Volkswagen Bora MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 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
  42% 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
  34% 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
  26% 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 emissions
  16% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Volkswagen Bora

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Bora as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?