2021 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · KT21 ABU

The Volkswagen Polo’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-07—just nine months ago—confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though the record reveals an unusual dual entry: one pass and one fail at identical mileage and date. This suggests either a clerical error in the DVSA system or a test centre oversight, as no defects were logged. The preceding tests in 2024 show consistent passes with no advisories, indicating no recurring mechanical issues were detected during those inspections. However, the lack of any recorded faults across five tests does not preclude hidden wear, particularly in components like suspension bushes or brake calipers, which often fail without overt MOT warnings. The mileage progression is notably irregular. Between 2024-05-01 and 2024-10-31, the vehicle accumulated just 1,299 miles in five months, averaging 260 miles per month—far below the 5,610 annual average implied by the 28,052 miles at the 2025 test. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate degradation in tyres, battery health, or fuel system components. The sudden jump from 11,268 to 28,052 miles between May 2024 and October 2025—16,784 miles in 15 months—implies recent reactivation, but without service records, it’s impossible to verify whether critical maintenance (e.g., timing belt, fluid changes) was performed during this period. Given the absence of advisories or failures, the most prudent areas for a buyer to inspect are the suspension system—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—and the braking hardware. Binding calipers or uneven wear on discs could indicate past neglect, while corrosion at wheel arches or sills might have gone unnoticed. The low mileage also warrants checking for battery sulphation or fuel line deterioration, common in vehicles left stationary for extended periods. A pre-purchase inspection should prioritise these elements, as the MOT’s silence does not equate to structural or functional reliability.