Volkswagen Golf FSI S (2004)
2004 Volkswagen Golf FSI S
CarHunch analysed 145 real MOT records for the 2004 Volkswagen Golf FSI S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2004 Golf FSI is a significant reliability concern—only 35.4% pass first time compared to the UK average of 80%, meaning two out of three will need repairs before they're roadworthy. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at 0%, so while you'll face repairs, they're unlikely to be safety-critical.
At an average mileage of 109,285 miles for a 20-year-old car, these are well-used examples, and the 0.43 failures per vehicle suggest wear-related issues rather than design flaws. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on cooling system, electrics, and suspension—the FSI engine is known for carbon buildup, and at this age you're fighting cumulative wear.
What to check before buying a 2004 Volkswagen Golf FSI S
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volkswagen Golf FSI S
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (53%) | 77 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (47%) | 68 | 75.4% | 0.91 |
2004 Volkswagen Golf FSI S — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 15 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (23% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2022.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Volkswagen Golf FSI S?
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