2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FJ13 OGW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the most recent MOT history indicates a trend of reactive maintenance rather than proactive care. After a clean record in January 2024 at 60,884 miles, the car failed its test in January 2026 at 68,341 miles due to multiple defects. While it passed the following day after repairs, the presence of several simultaneous mechanical and lighting failures suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical issues when they are imminent to cause a test failure. At 13 years old, the recorded mileage of 68,342 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 5,257 miles. This low usage pattern is evident in the intervals between tests, such as the car being driven only 2,769 miles between January 2025 and January 2026. However, low-mileage vehicles often suffer from degradation of rubber-based components due to age, which is evidenced here by the deteriorated track rod end dust covers and the drive shaft CV boot identified in the January 2026 test. A buyer must perform a thorough inspection of the offside outer drive shaft constant velocity boot, which was flagged as severely deteriorated. If this boot tears further, grease will escape, leading to rapid joint failure. The braking system also shows a history of concern, with the offside rear brake noted binding in 2025 and becoming excessively binding by early 2026. An inspector should check for uneven pad wear or warped disc surfaces to ensure the sticking caliper has been properly rectified. The record also highlights a recurring pattern of neglecting tyres, with nearside front and rear tyres reaching the legal limit in 2023, 2025, and 2026. The edge wear on the nearside front tyre in 2026 suggests a potential alignment issue or worn suspension components. Given the age of the vehicle, the undercarriage should be inspected for corrosion that may have developed during periods of inactivity not captured in the standard MOT advisories.