2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FP09 NME

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical wear and tear. While it passed the latest test in September 2025 at 116,871 miles, the tester identified a significant increase in advisories compared to the clean record from 2023. The persistence of offside rear brake binding across both 2024 and 2025 indicates a recurring issue that the previous owner has failed to fully rectify. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,875 miles per year. There was a notable gap of 19,876 miles covered between September 2023 (84,217 miles) and September 2024 (104,094 miles), which coincides with the sudden appearance of multiple mechanical and structural failures. The subsequent 12,776 miles covered in the last year suggests the car is still in regular use, though this has accelerated the degradation of rubber components and metal surfaces. A buyer must closely inspect the front suspension assembly, as the 2025 test flagged both offside and nearside suspension arm bushes as worn, alongside damaged track rod end dust covers. These issues, combined with the previously fractured nearside rear coil spring, suggest the suspension components are nearing their service life. The braking system also requires urgent attention; the pitted and scored front discs on both sides, coupled with the binding rear caliper, likely lead to poor braking performance and uneven pad wear. The exhaust system leak noted in 2024 should be verified to ensure it has not worsened into a significant structural failure. Given the history of failing on exposed tyre cords in 2024, the record implies a pattern of addressing faults only when they reach failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. A thorough physical check of the chassis for corrosion is essential to confirm that the age of the vehicle has not compromised its structural integrity.