2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FT12 LLA

Fuel economy for the 1.2-litre petrol Polo typically sits in the 45–50 mpg range for mixed driving, so annual fuel costs at current prices would land around £1,400–£1,700 for a 10,000-mile year, though the higher-than-average mileage recorded here suggests fuel costs could be proportionally greater. Road tax for a 2012 1.2 petrol Polo falls into a low bracket given its modest CO2 output, typically £30–£35 annually. Insurance sits in a favourable group for this model, usually group 4–7 depending on variant, keeping premiums modest. Allowing for tyres, brake wear and the structural concerns already identified, realistic annual maintenance plus repair provision is likely £700–£1,000, giving a total estimated annual running cost of £2,100–£2,700.

Beyond the items raised on the 2026 MOT, pay particular attention to the front outer sills on both sides — corrosion advisories here often indicate the early stages of rot that can progress quickly and may already be more extensive than visible. The corroded rear coil springs are a known wear item on higher-mileage Polos of this era and replacement pairs typically cost £200–£300 fitted; check for uneven ride height which would confirm spring fatigue. Verify the condition of the offside rear seatbelt anchorage and seek evidence of any welding repairs, as the failure description specifically mentions strength reduction in the prescribed area. The recurring registration plate lamp inoperative advisory across two consecutive tests suggests an unresolved electrical niggle worth investigating, and inspect all four tyres for uneven wear which could indicate suspension or alignment issues hidden by the spring corrosion.