2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · AD03 ALS

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend regarding its braking system, despite passing its most recent test on 31 October 2025 at 59,302 miles. While the latest result is a pass, the immediate preceding failure on the same day reveals significant mechanical issues. The tester flagged an inoperative offside rear parking brake and a nearside rear service brake binding excessively to the metal. These faults, combined with parking brake efficiency falling below legal requirements, suggest that the braking components are reaching a state of neglect or mechanical fatigue. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,391 miles per year over its eleven-year lifespan. The recorded data shows steady, incremental growth from 10,843 miles in June 2018 to 59,302 miles in October 2025. This low-mileage pattern often correlates with vehicles that sit idle for extended periods, which can contribute to the specific issues seen in the record. For instance, the November 2023 failure involving perishing and cracking tyres at 38,853 miles is a classic symptom of age-related rubber degradation rather than heavy tread wear. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system and rear suspension components. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of binding brakes, with failures noted in both November 2023 and October 2025. The pitting and scoring of brake discs reported in the November 2024 test at 47,879 miles further support the need to check for seized calipers or corroded brake lines. The recent failure of the parking brake mechanism suggests the handbrake cable or the rear caliper assembly may require replacement. Beyond the brakes, the history of tyre perishing suggests that rubber components may be aging faster than the mileage would otherwise imply. Inspect the sidewalls of all tyres for cracks and check the condition of any other perishable rubber parts, such as suspension bushes or engine mounts. While no structural corrosion has been flagged in this record, the intermittent nature of the mechanical failures suggests that maintenance has been reactive rather than preventative.