2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · FR12 VOT

The vehicle’s most recent MOT activity shows a clear loss of roadworthiness. In the 2025‑10‑21 test at 76 713 miles the passenger door failed the requirement that it be openable from outside the tailgate (6.2.3 (a)). That same day a retest passed at 76 715 miles, but the earlier failure indicates a defective latch or hinge mechanism that has not been remedied. The preceding 2024‑10‑29 test at 70 578 miles recorded an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint (5.3.4 (a) (i)) and an ineffective offside front wiper (3.4 (b) (ii)). Combined with the 2020‑10‑13 failures of front brake discs (1.1.14 (a) (i)) and pads thinner than 1.5 mm (1.1.13 (a) (ii)), the pattern points to a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than a stable condition. Mileage progression remains low for a 2012 model. The recorded 76 715 miles at July 2026 represents roughly 5 480 miles per year, suggesting light overall use. MOT entries are spaced about twelve months apart, with no extended gaps; the jump from 70 581 miles in October 2024 to 76 713 miles in October 2025 adds only 6 132 miles, consistent with the low‑annual‑mileage profile. The sparse defect history for recent years does not mask the fact that the vehicle has accumulated several mechanical faults despite the modest mileage. A prospective buyer should inspect the door latch and hinge for proper operation, verify the condition of the offside front suspension arm ball joint for excessive play, and test the front wiper blade for full coverage. Brake discs and pads require close examination for uneven wear and thickness below the 1.5 mm limit. Tyre condition, especially the front tyres, should be checked for cracking, perishing and tread depth; the 2021 record flagged front‑tyre wear close to the legal limit. The windscreen damage noted in 2017 and 2021 must be assessed for structural integrity and driver visibility. Finally, a thorough under‑body scan for corrosion is advisable, as low‑mileage vehicles can still develop rust in areas exposed to road grit and moisture.