Never had the MK3 fail.
Mk4 failed on a few bits simply because I was just hoping for the best. Rear caliper no effort, didn't even notice tbh handbrake was fine just footbrake.
Also the exhaust was knocking like a b!tch which I knew but it had rusted through the night before and fallen so bodged it in the dark.
Been over the car now and just top mounts at the front and the entire front suspension has been changed, did new calipers front and rear along with discs and pads. New exhaust section and a full gasket change on the engine.
It's a work horse, it gets dented and scratched but mechanically as I do so much mileage it needs to be on point. Never will I get the just over 1k in parts (trade price too!) I've spent back when I sell it but needs must.
Might be going soon but my girlfriend might have it. Pleased that the works been done.
If it's a daily need to be reliable workhorse, why would it fail it's MOT?
