2017 Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4L Petrol · KS17 UNL

The Volkswagen Scirocco has passed its most recent MOT on 29 May 2026 at 35,283 miles, but the record reveals a concerning trend of recurring, low-severity faults that suggest inconsistent maintenance rather than a single critical failure. The latest test identified a perished offside front suspension arm pin/bush and a damaged offside front tyre sidewall—both issues that, while not immediately catastrophic, indicate neglect of critical wear items. The suspension fault specifically points to a component that, if left unaddressed, could lead to uneven tyre wear or handling issues. Previous tests also show isolated but persistent problems: a rear main oil seal leak in 2024, tyre sidewall damage in 2025, and no defects in 2023 and 2022, suggesting the vehicle has been driven with minimal oversight between services. The mileage progression of roughly 3,920 miles per year over nine years is unusually low for a car of this age, which could imply limited use or prolonged periods of inactivity. Between the 2022 and 2023 tests, the vehicle accumulated just 5,027 miles over a year, a gap that may have allowed corrosion or fluid degradation to develop unchecked. The 2024-2025 interval saw a slight increase to 2,836 miles, yet the oil seal leak suggests even low mileage can stress seals and gaskets if fluids aren’t topped up or changed regularly. The absence of major faults in 2023 and 2022 does not offset the later issues, as it demonstrates a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than consistent care. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension components, particularly the front arm pins/bushes and associated coil springs for uneven wear or corrosion. The rear main oil seal leak in 2024 warrants scrutiny of the engine bay for residual oil stains, as persistent leaks can damage surrounding components. Tyre condition remains a red flag—recurring sidewall damage on the offside front tyre suggests either aggressive driving or neglect of tyre pressure monitoring. Structural integrity should also be checked, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounts, where corrosion often begins silently. Given the low mileage but inconsistent MOT history, a pre-purchase diagnostic focusing on fluid levels, suspension alignment, and brake caliper binding would be prudent.