2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · AP15 JUX

Recurring tyre wear and suspension component issues define the mechanical profile of this Volkswagen Polo, despite a clean result in its most recent test on 26 February 2026. The MOT history shows a pattern of intermittent failures and advisories concerning consumables and steering/suspension linkages, specifically involving anti-roll bar ball joints and tyre condition. While the vehicle has moved from a failure regarding mismatched tyre sizes in 2021 to a more recent failure for a damaged anti-roll bar dust cover in early 2025, the tendency for tyres to reach legal limits or show signs of perishing remains a consistent factor in its inspection history. The vehicle has covered 72,150 miles over its eleven-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 6,559 miles. This usage pattern is relatively low for a vehicle of this age, which can sometimes correlate with components such as rubber bushes and tyres perishing due to age and environmental exposure rather than purely through high-mileage wear. This moderate usage suggests that while mechanical components may not have faced extreme high-speed motorway mileage, the vehicle has likely been subject to the typical wear and tear associated with shorter, more frequent trips where suspension components and tyres are frequently stressed by urban road surfaces. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension and steering geometry during a test drive, given the previous advisories for worn inner rear suspension arm bushes and the failure of the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint cover. Listen for any knocking, clunking, or dull thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these are classic symptoms of degraded suspension bushes or worn ball joints. Additionally, pay attention to the steering feel; any pulling to one side or a wandering sensation could indicate that the previous issues with tyre wear and suspension alignment have not been fully rectified or that further wear has developed in the steering rack or suspension linkages. Tyre condition also warrants a thorough physical inspection, as the record shows a history of tyres being worn on the edges, being close to the legal limit, or showing signs of cracking and perishing. Check the tread depth across the entire width of the tyre, not just the centre, to ensure there is no uneven wear that might suggest persistent alignment issues. During the test drive, observe if the vehicle exhibits any vibration through the steering wheel or a rhythmic pulsing, which could indicate uneven tyre wear or issues with the wheel bearings and braking components.