2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FW12 CPN

The vehicle presents a generally stable maintenance profile, though the most recent MOT from September 2025 at 68,627 miles indicates a shift toward neglected consumable upkeep. While the car has passed its tests consistently, the tester flagged multiple tyre issues, specifically an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and cracking or perishing in the treads of both rear tyres. This follows a clean pass in September 2024 at 61,900 miles, suggesting that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, the current owner is allowing tyres to reach the end of their serviceable life. The mileage pattern shows very low usage for a 2012 model, averaging approximately 4,900 miles per year. The records show a steady, incremental increase in distance, moving from 16,032 miles in February 2016 to the current 68,627 miles in September 2025. This low annual mileage often implies lighter mechanical strain on the drivetrain and engine, but the presence of perishing rubber in the 2025 test suggests the vehicle may spend significant periods stationary, which can lead to age-related degradation of tyres and seals regardless of distance travelled. A prospective buyer should focus on the exhaust and suspension systems during a physical inspection. The September 2023 test at 54,554 miles identified a minor leak from the central front exhaust flexi pipe. Although the vehicle passed, these components can degrade further over time. The 2020 failure due to a fractured nearside rear coil spring indicates a previous suspension component failure, so checking the integrity of all coil springs and suspension bushes for signs of corrosion or fatigue is advisable. The recurring advisories regarding tyre condition and perishing rubber suggest that the vehicle's maintenance has occasionally been reactive rather than proactive. Beyond replacing the immediate tyre defects noted in the 2025 record, an inspection of all rubber components, including wiper blades and engine hoses, is necessary to ensure that long periods of inactivity have not caused widespread perishing. Checking the underside for any signs of structural corrosion would also be prudent given the vehicle's age.