2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · JA11 HOB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of reactive rather than proactive repairs. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 115,877 miles, it failed just one day prior due to a serious offside front shock absorber leak, a failed nearside front DRL, and a worn offside front Macpherson strut pin. The persistence of insufficient brake pedal reserve travel in the passing result suggests that the hydraulic system or master cylinder requires urgent attention to prevent future failure despite the current pass. At 115,877 miles over 11 years, the Polo has covered a consistent average of approximately 10,500 miles per year, which aligns with typical national averages for its age. The record shows steady annual testing, with roughly 12,600 miles driven between February 2024 and February 2025, and another 9,752 miles leading up to the February 2026 test. This mileage suggests regular use, yet the recurring failures indicate that components are only addressed once they reach a point of failure. A buyer must physically inspect the front suspension for signs of continued play in the Macpherson strut and verify the quality of the replacement shock absorber. The offside front constant velocity boot, which was flagged as weeping in 2024, should be checked for grease leakage which could indicate imminent joint failure. The history also shows a pattern of uneven tyre wear and inner edge degradation across 2024 and 2025, which suggests a persistent alignment issue or worn suspension bushes that have not been properly rectified. Given the spongy brake pedal noted in the latest entry, a professional brake pressure test is essential to ensure there is no air in the system or a failing internal cylinder.