2018 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · C17 RAA

A recurring weakness in the front suspension dust covers and tyre tread depth dominates the MOT record, with repeated advisories about front and rear tyres being close to the legal limit and a progression from minor to major failure of the nearside front track‑rod end dust cover. The latest test on 10 October 2025 recorded a pass, but the tyre wear advisories persist and the major failure noted a year earlier has not been resolved, indicating a pattern of deferred wear rather than an isolated fault. The odometer reads 83,128 mi after eight years, averaging just over 10,000 mi per annum – a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a small hatchback. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history, and the vehicle has been tested annually without any prolonged periods off the road, suggesting that the wear observed is consistent with its mileage rather than the result of long storage or unusually high short‑term mileage spikes. Prospective buyers should inspect the tyre condition closely; the tread depth on the nearside front, offside front and offside rear tyres is already at the minimum legal threshold, so replacement is likely imminent. Look for uneven wear patterns, sidewall bulges or exposed cords, and verify that the new tyres are correctly balanced to avoid vibration at higher speeds. On a test drive, pay attention to any shudder or pull when braking, which could indicate that the worn tyres are affecting grip and stability. The front track‑rod dust covers have been flagged repeatedly, progressing from minor damage that still prevented dirt ingress to a major failure where protection was lost entirely. Examine the front suspension for any looseness or clunking when traversing bumps, and check for steering wheel play or a vague knocking sound that could signal deteriorated ball‑joint protection allowing contaminants to affect the joint. Replacing the dust covers and, if necessary, the associated ball joints before prolonged use will help maintain steering precision and avoid premature suspension wear.