2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · CX03 MCG

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 2023‑02‑18 at 136,715 miles, but the tester flagged a nearside front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust cover as severely deteriorated (5.3.4(b)(i)). The maintenance trend shows a clear worsening from 2022 onward, when the car recorded a cluster of serious defects: a major exhaust leak, a fractured rear coil spring, rear brake binding, multiple suspension dust‑cover failures and exposed tyre cords. Earlier years (2014‑2021) were largely clean, indicating periods of reasonable care, yet the concentration of faults in 2022‑2023 points to a decline in overall condition. Mileage accumulation has been roughly linear at about 8,000 miles per year, which matches expectations for a 2009 model. The jump from the 2022 test (129,106 miles) to the 2023 test (136,715 miles) added 7,609 miles in just over twelve months, a higher annual gain than the long‑term average. No further MOT entries appear after February 2023, leaving the car untested for more than three years as of July 2026, well beyond the statutory twelve‑month interval. A buyer should inspect the suspension linkage first; the repeated anti‑roll bar dust‑cover deterioration suggests the ball joint may have been contaminated, so check for play and corrosion on the bushes. The rear coil spring fracture and brake‑binding advisory from 2022 mean the rear suspension and braking system need close examination for noise, uneven pedal response and secure mounting. The exhaust leak noted in 2018 and 2022 warrants an under‑floor scan for rust and secure exhaust brackets. Tyre condition remains a priority, with ply‑cord exposure and low tread depth recorded; a physical tyre check for uneven wear and correct pressure is essential. Finally, past failures of side repeaters, stop lamp and position lamps indicate the electrical lighting circuits should be fully functional tested before purchase.