2018 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · CA68 AOE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical components. While it passed its latest test on 6 August 2026 at 32,963 miles, it failed just one mile prior due to a damaged offside track rod end dust cover and pitted front brake discs. The transition from clean records in 2024 to multiple failures in the last two testing cycles indicates that components are now being addressed only upon inspection failure rather than through a preventative schedule. The mileage profile is low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,120 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns between 2021 and 2024, where no defects were recorded between 12,349 and 26,154 miles. However, the jump of nearly 7,000 miles over the last two years coincides with the emergence of mechanical issues. Low mileage can often lead to dry rot or the degradation of rubber components, which aligns with the recent failures of the track rod end dust covers. A buyer must physically inspect the front suspension specifically, as the track rod end dust covers have appeared as recurring faults in the 2025 and 2026 tests. The tester noted the offside cover was excessively damaged, allowing dirt ingress which will eventually lead to premature joint failure. Furthermore, the front brake discs were flagged as pitted and scored in the most recent test, a common issue on low-use vehicles that sit for long periods without sufficient braking to clear surface corrosion. The record also highlights that manufacturer-fitted guards and child seats repeatedly prevented a full inspection of the underside and seatbelts during the last two tests. This lack of visibility means the structural integrity of the chassis and the condition of the adult belt mechanisms have not been fully verified by the DVSA recently. A professional inspection should confirm that the track rod ends have been replaced and that the brake discs are new rather than merely cleaned to pass the test.