2018 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · LC68 FWS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 December 2025, was passed but returned a number of advisories covering the braking system, rear tyre condition and suspension dust‑covers. Earlier MOTs in 2024 also produced several advisories, whereas the 2022 and 2021 tests recorded no defects. This pattern indicates a gradual decline in the vehicle’s condition rather than an improving trend, suggesting that wear items are now reaching the end of their service life and will require attention before the next test. At 51,054 miles the Polo has averaged roughly 6,400 miles per year over its eight‑year life, which is well below the UK average. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage. Light use can lead to tyre perishing, battery sulphation and brake disc corrosion, while the modest mileage means that wear on major power‑train components is likely to be limited, provided the car has been kept dry and serviced regularly. The most pressing items for a prospective buyer are the braking components and the rear tyre. Front brake pads have been flagged as thin and the discs are described as worn and lipped; this combination can produce a pulsating pedal, reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances, especially when the pads are close to the wear limit. A thorough visual inspection of the pads and discs is essential, and a brake fade test on a safe stretch of road should be performed. If the pads are near the minimum thickness or the discs show uneven wear, replacement of both pads and discs will be required soon. The near‑side rear tyre was recorded as cracked and perished, and an off‑side rear nail was noted a year earlier; both suggest that the rear tyre set is at the end of its service life. Look for dry‑rot cracks on the sidewalls, bulges or loss of tread, and verify that the tyre pressure holds steady during a short drive. Re‑tyring is advisable before any extended use, and the wheel rims should be inspected for corrosion or bent edges that could affect mounting. Given the vehicle’s age and relatively low mileage, the buyer should also check for age‑related deterioration that is not captured by the MOT. Examine the suspension bushes and track‑rod end dust‑covers for cracking or loss of integrity, as cracked dust‑covers can allow moisture to accelerate corrosion of the steering linkage. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, looking for swollen cases or sluggish cranking, and consider a load test. Inspect all fluid reservoirs—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid—for signs of sediment, discoloration or low levels, and arrange a change of brake fluid if it has not been serviced within the last two years. Finally, confirm that the service booklet contains regular oil changes and that any outstanding recalls have been addressed, as these factors together will give a clearer picture of the car’s overall roadworthiness and future maintenance needs.