2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FT63 TLF

The vehicle presents a worsening maintenance trend, with the frequency and complexity of advisories increasing as the mileage climbs. While the car has passed its most recent MOT on 19 March 2026, the tester flagged several developing mechanical issues. These include light oil misting from the nearside rear shock absorbers and slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. The appearance of corroded brake pipes on both the nearside and offside rear, which were covered in grease, suggests an attempt to mask surface degradation rather than addressing the underlying corrosion. The mileage accumulation remains consistent with a typical twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,500 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, moving from 61,575 miles in January 2020 to 126,585 miles in March 2026. This consistent driving pattern explains the gradual wear on consumable components. However, the data reveals a recurring pattern of neglected tyre maintenance. Since 2021, almost every annual test has flagged tyres worn close to the legal limit or showing uneven wear, indicating that the previous owners often deferred tyre replacements until the MOT inspection. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension. The record shows a history of binding rear brakes in January 2025 and pitted front brake discs with thin pads in January 2020. Given the most recent advisory regarding corroded brake pipes, a physical check of the hydraulic lines and connections is essential to ensure structural integrity. The tester also noted a binding offside rear brake in the 2025 test, so the buyer must verify that this issue has been resolved and is not contributing to uneven pad or disc wear. The suspension requires close attention due to the recent findings of shock absorber misting and anti-roll bar linkage play. These components are nearing the end of their service life. The buyer should also check the alignment of the vehicle, as the repeated advisories for tyres wearing on the edges suggest persistent tracking or camber issues that have not been corrected through regular wheel alignments.