2011 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FG61 WHV

The vehicle presents a concerning state of roadworthiness with a clear trend of deferred maintenance on critical suspension components. While the car passed the October 2025 test at 98,630 miles, it did so while carrying multiple mechanical defects that caused a failure just days prior. The tester flagged play in the steering rack inner joints and a leaking exhaust box, issues that have persisted or evolved across several testing cycles. This indicates a pattern of addressing only the minimum requirements to pass an inspection rather than resolving underlying mechanical degradation. The mileage profile is consistent with a 15-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,600 miles per year. Between October 2023 at 80,408 miles and October 2025 at 98,630 miles, the car covered over 18,000 miles. This higher annual usage explains the presence of perished tyres and weeping shock absorbers, as low mileage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components such as suspension arm bushes and shock absorber dust covers, regardless of the relatively low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering system. The record shows a persistent history of worn front arm bushes which progressed from 'worn' to 'excessively worn' between 2024 and 2025. The steering rack inner joints are also noted for having play, which likely affects handling precision and tyre wear. Furthermore, the offside front shock absorber has been misting oil since at least 2023, suggesting the seal is nearing total failure. The minor exhaust leak at the box requires close monitoring to ensure it does not worsen into a structural failure of the manifold system.