2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Diesel · FN63 EJO

The most recent MOT inspection on 30 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle failed the initial test due to a major defect regarding an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm bush. While the vehicle has technically passed, the maintenance trend appears to be worsening rather than improving. The history shows a recurring pattern of deteriorating components, specifically regarding the exhaust system, steering rack, and drive shaft components. The progression from minor advisories to a major failure on the suspension arm suggests that wear on rubber bushes and joints is reaching a critical stage, indicating that the vehicle may have been subject to deferred maintenance or is reaching a period of significant component fatigue. With a recorded mileage of 78,579 over approximately thirteen years, this Volkswagen Polo has covered an average of roughly 6,045 miles per year. This is considered low-to-moderate annual usage, which typically implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain compared to high-mileage vehicles. However, this specific usage profile can be deceptive; lower annual mileage often leads to longer periods of inactivity or short-distance trips, which can accelerate the degradation of rubber components, such as the CV boots and suspension bushes, and may lead to moisture buildup in the exhaust system. The documented corrosion on the exhaust silencer is consistent with this type of usage pattern. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the steering and suspension during a test drive. The repeated advisories regarding play in the steering rack inner joints and the recent failure of the offside front suspension arm bush suggest that the steering may feel vague or imprecise. Listen for knocking or clunking noises when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, which would indicate further worn bushes or ball joints. Furthermore, the offside front constant velocity boot is noted as severely deteriorated; if this boot fails completely, it will allow grease to escape and grit to enter the drive shaft joint, leading to expensive repairs and audible clicking sounds during low-speed turns. The exhaust system requires immediate scrutiny as the records indicate both a minor gas leak and significant corrosion on the rear silencer casing. You should check for any unusual droning or loud exhaust notes, which would confirm the leak's severity. Additionally, the history of fluctuating front service brakes and a previous binding nearside rear caliper means you must monitor for any brake shudder under deceleration or a pulling sensation to one side. Given the age and mileage, also inspect the tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur even if tread depth is sufficient, and verify that the service history supports the interval-based replacement of fluids and filters, as calendar-based degradation is a risk for low-mileage vehicles.