2018 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · FH18 AHC

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 12 May 2026 with no defects recorded. Evaluating the recent history, the maintenance trend shows a period of increased wear and attention required between 2024 and 2025, specifically concerning braking components and tyre integrity. The 2025 failure regarding the tyre pressure monitoring system and the subsequent advisories for worn tyres and pitted brake discs suggest that the vehicle's consumables reached a critical point of wear during that period. However, the clean pass in 2026 indicates that these previously identified issues have likely been rectified, suggesting a trend of reactive maintenance to bring the vehicle back to a standard roadworthy condition. With 61,102 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,600 miles per year. This represents a very typical usage profile for a modern hatchback, suggesting the car has not been subjected to excessive motorway mileage nor has it suffered from the detrimental effects of prolonged periods of inactivity. This moderate usage level is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it implies regular operation which helps prevent component seizure and fluid degradation, while avoiding the premature wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components often seen in high-mileage vehicles. Despite the clean 2026 MOT, the history of brake and tyre advisories necessitates a thorough physical inspection. You should verify that the front brake discs and pads were actually replaced rather than just inspected, as the 2024 advisories for pitting and thinning were significant. During your test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the front end and feel for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal, which would indicate warped or unevenly worn discs. Furthermore, inspect the sidewalls of all tyres for any signs of cracking or perishing, particularly the offside rear, to ensure the previous perishing issues have been fully resolved with fresh rubber. You must also confirm that the tyre pressure monitoring system is fully functional on the dashboard to prevent a recurrence of the 2025 failure. Check the tread depth across the entire width of the tyre to ensure there is no uneven wear, which could point to underlying issues with wheel alignment or worn suspension components such as tie rod ends or ball joints. Finally, given the vehicle's age and consistent usage, verify the service book to ensure that oil and coolant changes have been carried out according to the manufacturer's time-based intervals, as chemical degradation of fluids can occur even if the mileage remains relatively low.