2011 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FT60 XFJ

This vehicle presents a concerning maintenance history, with a clear trend of recurring mechanical neglect and structural instability. The most recent test on 13 October 2025 at 126,249 miles highlights persistent issues, including an oil leak, suspension bush wear, and exhaust corrosion. The vehicle has failed its MOT on four separate occasions since 2018, often due to significant safety-critical defects such as structural sill repairs, brake efficiency failures, and emissions non-compliance. The pattern of clearing faults only to have them reappear or worsen indicates a reactive approach to maintenance rather than proactive servicing. The recorded mileage of 126,249 miles over fifteen years averages approximately 8,400 miles per annum, which is typical for a car of this age. However, the MOT data reveals a history of heavy use or poor storage conditions, evidenced by the frequent flagging of corroded exhaust components and structural sill issues starting as early as 2023. The consistent failure to address underlying suspension and steering play, which has been noted repeatedly since 2019, suggests that the vehicle has been subjected to minimal investment, likely resulting in accelerated wear across the drivetrain and chassis. A prospective buyer must conduct a rigorous physical inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity, specifically focusing on the sills and floor pans where previous repairs were noted. The heavy underseal applied to these areas is a common tactic to obscure ongoing corrosion, and you should probe these sections for soft metal or poor-quality patch work. Furthermore, the steering and suspension components, including the track rod ends and suspension arm bushes, require a thorough check for play, as these have been persistent advisories for several years. You should also verify the condition of the braking system and exhaust assembly, as the record shows a long-standing history of binding or inefficient parking brakes and exhaust leaks. Given the recurring oil leaks and the potential for hidden structural damage beneath the underseal, this vehicle represents a high-risk purchase. The cumulative effect of these unresolved mechanical faults suggests that significant expenditure will be required to bring the car to a reliable standard, and the current roadworthiness is precarious at best.