2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · FG12 AXC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 75,948 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure involving critical braking and suspension issues. The trend is inconsistent, as the car failed its annual MOT test in both 2024 and 2025, suggesting that the owner only addresses mechanical faults once they prevent a legal test certificate. At approximately 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 75,948 miles represents a low average of roughly 5,400 miles per year. This low usage often reduces mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, but it can accelerate the degradation of rubber-based components through age. The gap between the April 2024 test at 73,223 miles and the July 2024 test at 74,655 miles shows only 1,432 miles of travel, which confirms the vehicle is used infrequently or remains stationary for extended periods. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension geometry. The record flagged a worn offside front lower suspension arm bush in July 2025, which remained an advisory despite the test failing elsewhere. This type of wear often leads to uneven tyre degradation and steering instability. Furthermore, the July 2025 failure for an excessively binding offside rear service brake and an axle imbalance indicates a potential issue with the brake cylinder or a seized caliper slider, which requires verification to ensure the braking system is not overheating or suffering from premature pad wear. The history also highlights recurring neglect of basic consumable items. The 2024 failure for tyres worn to the legal limit and insufficient windscreen washer fluid suggests that routine pre-test checks are overlooked. The buyer should check the depth and age of all four tyres and verify the integrity of the washer system and pumps, as low-mileage vehicles are prone to dry-rotted hoses and perished seals that do not show through mileage alone.