2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FD09 RHZ

The most recent MOT test on 30 May 2026 resulted in a pass, which is positive, but it followed just one week after a previous failure on 23 May 2026 that involved four major defects, namely an inoperative malfunction indicator lamp, a missing nearside side repeater, and both headlamps failing the aim requirements. This pattern suggests a vehicle that had clearly been left unattended for some time before the test, allowing emissions readiness and basic lighting integrity to lapse, rather than indicating a chronic mechanical deterioration. Looking further back, the 2022 test included a fractured offside front coil spring, while the 2021, 2023, and 2024 tests carried advisories relating to front suspension bushes, brake binding on the offside rear, and headlamp lens contamination. The advisory items cluster around the front suspension and the offside rear brake, suggesting these are areas where wear is accumulating gradually and may warrant closer inspection. Overall the trend shows a vehicle that is fundamentally roadworthy but with recurring attention required to suspension components and minor lighting and brake functions, indicating that the maintenance regime has been somewhat reactive rather than preventative. With 83,589 miles recorded over seventeen years, this Polo averages only around 4,917 miles annually, which is substantially below typical usage for a car of this age and segment. Low annual mileage of this nature usually reflects either genuine light use or extended periods of standing, and both scenarios carry their own mechanical implications. Low wear on internal drivetrain components is a clear benefit, but prolonged standing commonly accelerates external corrosion, particularly on brake discs which can develop heavy surface rust and lead to binding calipers, as already hinted at by the recurring offside rear brake bind advisories in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid will all degrade over calendar years irrespective of mileage, so the service history should be examined for time-based replacements rather than relying on mileage intervals alone. Standing periods also stress the 12V battery and tyre sidewalls, both of which deteriorate from age. For a prospective buyer, the most important physical checks should focus on the suspension and steering components, given the fractured coil spring in 2022 and the persistent advisories on the front lower suspension arm rear bushes and ball joint dust cover. Listen carefully on a test drive for any clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when turning at low speed, as these would suggest the polyurethane bushes have now worn beyond the advisory threshold and require replacement. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer shoulders, would corroborate worn suspension geometry. The offside rear brake binding advisory appearing in three consecutive tests strongly suggests a seized caliper slide mechanism or handbrake cable, so the car should be rolled on level ground with the engine off to check for free wheel rotation, and a sustained firm brake application from speed should produce a straight, stable stop without pulling or shuddering. Given the age and low mileage profile, additional checks should include a thorough visual inspection of tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age and the 2021 advisory already noted cracking on the offside front tyre. Brake discs should be examined for deep corrosion pitting around the outer edges, which would necessitate replacement even if pad material remains adequate. The headlamp aim and lens condition are clearly areas of recurring attention, so verify that both lamps are correctly adjusted and that the plastic lenses are not so heavily crazed that output is significantly reduced, particularly given the failure recorded in May 2026. Finally, request evidence of recent replacement of the cambelt and water pump if due on age rather than mileage, confirm the 12V battery holds charge under load, and ensure that the oil service has been carried out within the last twelve months rather than simply relying on the odometer reading.