2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LB14 FBG

The 2014 Volkswagen Polo presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 1 December 2025 passing cleanly at 48,563 miles and recording zero defects. This follows a period of minor tyre-related failures in late 2024, suggesting the previous owner addressed the immediate safety issue promptly. The overall trajectory from 2023 onward is one of consistent compliance, with no recurring mechanical or structural advisories accumulating over successive tests. The mileage profile is notably low for a twelve-year-old vehicle. Between the July 2022 test at 32,430 miles and the August 2023 test at 34,245 miles, the car covered just 1,815 miles in over a year. From August 2023 to December 2024, the mileage jumped to 44,155 miles, representing roughly 9,910 miles in approximately sixteen months. The gap between the December 2024 failure and the December 2025 pass shows only 4408 miles added across a full year, indicating the vehicle may have experienced periods of very light use or prolonged standing. Low annual mileage of around 4,047 miles per year reduces wear on drivetrain and braking components but raises questions about whether extended idle periods have affected rubber seals, tyre sidewall integrity, or brake surface condition through standing corrosion. The sole defect on record is the December 2024 failure for an exposed ply or cords on the offside front inner tyre, a serious condition indicating either sustained underinflation, sidewall damage, or neglect in pre-check inspections. The fact that the retest two days later passed suggests the tyre was replaced, but no other defects have appeared since. A prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully for uneven wear patterns, cracking from age-related degradation, and correct inflation, given the vehicle's low usage and potential for flat-spotting during standing periods. The nearside front and both rear tyres warrant close examination as they may be original or aged replacements. Beyond tyres, a physical inspection should focus on the condition of brake discs and pads for surface corrosion from intermittent use, suspension bushes and coil springs for perishing, and the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting points. The underbody and sills should be checked for structural rust, particularly around mounting points and jacking areas, as low-mileage vehicles that sit for extended periods can develop localised corrosion in drainage points. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but a pre-purchase inspection remains essential to verify that the mechanical components have not deteriorated from age rather than use.