2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FV12 XOG

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical failures and neglect of basic consumables. While the most recent test on 12 May 2026 at 99,030 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed on several items including a split nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot and worn suspension arm bushes. The history reveals a pattern of owners failing to address known issues promptly, often requiring multiple failures to rectify fundamental components like the exhaust system and lighting. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. The record shows steady progress from 46,149 miles in April 2017 to the current 99,030 miles. There are no significant gaps in usage, though the frequency of failures suggests that while the car is driven regularly, it is not being proactively maintained. The progression from 81,123 miles in May 2023 to 93,380 miles in May 2025 shows a typical usage pattern, but the increasing complexity of failures during these periods is concerning. A prospective buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension and drivetrain. The suspension arm bushes have been flagged as worn in both May 2023 and May 2026, suggesting that previous repairs may have been temporary or insufficient. The nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot was also flagged in May 2026, which follows a similar failure in May 2025. These recurring issues indicate that the front end of the vehicle is experiencing significant wear. The braking system and exhaust require close scrutiny. The record shows a history of brake-related failures, including a binding nearside rear brake in May 2023 and a complete lack of braking effort on the offside rear in May 2025. Additionally, the exhaust system has been a persistent problem, with major leaks and emissions failures reported in May 2023, May 2024, and May 2025. Any recent repairs to the exhaust or braking components must be verified to ensure they have addressed the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.