2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FV60 APZ

The vehicle presents a history of recurring mechanical and trim failures that suggest reactive reactive than proactive maintenance approach. The most recent test on 27 February 2026 at 64,921 miles passed immediately following a failure just two days prior for a split nearside front outer drive shaft CV boot. While this specific fault was rectified, the record shows a persistent trend with suspension components and lighting. In March 2025, the tester flagged misting on front shock absorbers and a damaged track rod end dust cover, issues that had been noted as early as February 2022, indicating a slow degradation of the damping assembly. At 64,921 miles over 16 years, the Polo has averaged approximately 4,000 miles per year. This low-use profile often leads to accelerated deterioration of rubber components due to age rather than mechanical wear. This is evidenced by the repeated failures regarding seat belt buckle damage and missing covers from 2021 through 2024. The vehicle has also struggled with basic upkeep, such as the January 2024 test where a nearside front tyre was below the legal limit and an underinflated rear tyre with a nail. The braking history shows a specific concern with an offside rear service brake reported as excessively binding in February 2022. Additionally, the exhaust system suffered a major leak at the flexi-joint in 2022, following a minor leak in 2021. A prospective buyer should inspect the front shock absorbers for signs of active leaking beyond the previous misting reports and verify that all seat belt mechanisms are fully functional despite years of flagged damage. While it currently holds an MOT, the frequent failures for minor bulbs and worn rubber suggest the vehicle is only maintained when necessary to pass the test.