2017 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · CE17 ESV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear decline regarding the suspension and braking systems. While it passed the most recent test in May 2026 at 59,652 miles, the tester flagged pitted and scored brake discs on both axles. This is a recurring issue, also noted in the June 2025 test at 55,207 miles, indicating that the owner is delaying component replacement until failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a typical low-useage vehicle, averaging approximately 6,600 miles per year. The record shows a clean history between 2020 and 2024, where no defects were recorded across four tests. However, there is a significant jump of nearly 9,000 miles between June 2024 and June 2025, which coincides with the vehicle's first major MOT failure at 55,137 miles. This period of higher usage appears to have triggered the onset of mechanical wear on various rubber and metal components. A buyer must conduct a close physical inspection of the front suspension assembly. The June 2025 failure revealed a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber and excessive wear on the rear-most suspension arm bushes. While these were supposedly addressed to pass the subsequent test, the play in the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint suggests the front end is beginning to degrade. You should check for any signs of new weeping leaks or knocking noises that would indicate the repairs were merely superficial. The braking system requires immediate attention. The persistent presence of pitting and scoring on all four discs across the last two tests suggests the rotors are reaching the end of their life or have suffered from corrosion during periods of standing. This condition leads to reduced braking performance and accelerated wear on the pads. Verify the thickness of the brake pads and check for seized calipers to ensure the pitting is not caused by uneven pressure on the hardware.