@Howey Thank you for your advice! It has never missed a beat before in the 8 years I’ve owned it, and never previously failed an MOT in it’s lifetime.
Essentially a 4th car, so always at the back of the garage; driven very occasionally and only in dry conditions. Normally serviced every year by a local VAG specialist, except during the pandemic and when the MOT went out of sync.
So this Summer I will ask the garage to carry out an engine flush as you suggest. Then retest after the annual service to see if that works. Fingers crossed it keeps running for a few more years, as even though my family refuse to be seen in it - I love the design. Here it is pictured on the way home from the MOT station and now in need of a clean…
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