2004 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · AV04 YOL

The 2026‑05‑12 MOT confirms that the 2004 Volkswagen Polo is presently road‑worthy, having passed with only a modest oil leak and slight rear tyre perishing, while the preceding 2025‑05‑19 failure recorded a non‑functional near‑side front position lamp, a faulty washer, the same oil leak and the same tyre condition. The pattern of intermittent failures over the past two years shows that basic lighting and washer functions are being addressed, but recurring tyre damage and the persistent oil leak suggest that routine maintenance has not been consistently applied, keeping the overall maintenance trend stable rather than clearly improving. Mileage accumulation is modest for a 22‑year‑old vehicle, averaging just over 3,100 miles per year, yet the record reveals periods of faster use: from 2021 to 2023 the kilometres rose from 53,764 to 61,556, an increase of roughly 7,800 miles in two years, indicating more intensive driving during those years. Earlier intervals show smaller yearly gains, and there are no long gaps in the documentation, confirming a continuous usage history with no evidence of prolonged standing. A buyer should therefore inspect the suspension components that have repeatedly failed, especially the anti‑roll bar linkage ball joints and their dust covers, which have deteriorated in 2019, 2021 and 2023, suggesting worn bushes and potential binding. The front brake discs and pads should be examined for pitting or excessive wear, given the 2019 record of a worn, pitted disc. Tyre condition must be verified, as the rear tyre has shown cracking or perishing in every test since 2023 and tread depth has been below the legal limit on inner tyres in 2023. The oil leak, while currently classified as not excessive, should be monitored for any increase, and the front position lamp and washer operation must be tested, as these have been flagged in the two most recent tests. Finally, a visual check for structural rust beyond the cracked registration plate, particularly around the wheel arches and chassis, will help assess long‑term durability.