2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · DP12 PCZ

The most recent MOT, dated 13 April 2026, was a pass but recorded a number of advisories – slight play on both front MacPherson strut ball joints, a front windscreen chip and an off‑side rear nail in the tyre. Earlier in the same month the vehicle failed a test with several major defects, notably tyre cuts to the ply, a split CV boot on the off‑side front drive‑shaft and the same windscreen damage. Prior to that the car suffered two consecutive failures in April 2024 for excessive carbon‑monoxide emissions, which were apparently rectified before the subsequent pass in April 2025. The pattern shows a period of significant non‑compliance in 2024, followed by corrective work and a generally improving trend, although the recurring ball‑joint advisories indicate that wear on the front suspension is still progressing. At 143,839 miles the Polo averages just over 10,000 miles per year, which is typical for a fourteen‑year‑old family hatchback. The mileage does not suggest any extreme periods of high‑speed or heavy‑load use, but the relatively steady accumulation means that many wear items – suspension bushes, CV joints, brake discs and engine seals – will be approaching the latter stages of their service life. The lack of any obvious mileage spikes also implies the car has not been subjected to prolonged high‑stress journeys, but the recorded tyre cuts and CV‑boot failure hint at occasional harsh road conditions or possible neglect of routine tyre inspections. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough examination. With the ball joints flagged for slight play, feel for any clunking or looseness when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and when the car is lifted and the wheels are rocked fore and aft. Any excessive movement could indicate worn ball‑joint bearings that may soon require replacement. The CV boot on the off‑side front drive‑shaft should be inspected for cracks, oil leakage or dried‑out rubber; a compromised boot can allow dirt ingress and lead to joint failure, which would manifest as clicking noises on acceleration and a loss of drive‑shaft smoothness. All four tyres must be examined for cuts, bulges or uneven wear patterns, especially given the previous cuts that reached the ply – any current damage should be repaired or the tyres replaced, and the wheel alignment checked to prevent premature wear. The exhaust system should be checked for leaks, cracked manifolds or a failing catalytic converter, as the earlier CO‑emission failures suggest the engine’s combustion control may be marginal; a misfiring engine or a faulty oxygen sensor would produce rough idle, loss of power and increased fuel consumption. Beyond the specific MOT items, the car’s age warrants a comprehensive visual and functional check. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, a common issue on vehicles that have spent long periods stationary. Test the 12 V battery with a load tester or have it checked for cranking voltage, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Inspect brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing and verify that the calipers move freely without binding; any pulsation or shudder when braking could indicate warped discs or seized pistons. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are correct and that the fluids are not discoloured or contaminated, since time‑based degradation can occur even with low mileage. Finally, request the service book and any receipts for recent major work; a well‑documented maintenance history will give confidence that the vehicle has been kept in a roadworthy condition despite the intermittent MOT failures.