2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Diesel · LD63 EZW

The Volkswagen Polo’s most recent MOT on January 10, 2026, at 87,390 miles passed without defects, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained sufficiently to meet current roadworthiness standards. However, the preceding history reveals a concerning pattern of recurring and unresolved issues, particularly in suspension, brakes, and tyres. The February 2025 failure—just one mile before passing—highlighted a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a split CV joint boot, and critically worn tyres, all of which were either repeated or only partially addressed in subsequent tests. While the January 2025 pass omitted these faults, the February 2024 test noted corroded rear coil springs and underinflated tyres, indicating a long-standing neglect of suspension and tyre care. This suggests the vehicle has not undergone consistent, professional servicing and that some failures were likely overlooked or deferred. The mileage progression shows an average of approximately 6,700 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the February 2025 failure and the January 2025 pass—just one mile apart—implies either a rushed or incomplete repair process. The largest mileage jump occurred between February 2024 (71,131 miles) and January 2025 (78,935 miles), covering 7,804 miles in under a year, which could suggest either intensive use or a period of deferred maintenance. The absence of MOT tests between February 2023 and February 2024—despite the car reaching 71,131 miles—raises questions about whether the vehicle was off the road or simply not tested during that period. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension components, particularly the rear coil springs and track rod end ball joints, as these were flagged multiple times. The nearside rear coil spring failure in February 2025 is a critical structural concern, and the offside track rod end dust cover deterioration in the same test suggests broader suspension wear. Brake discs, especially the front inner ones, have been repeatedly noted as worn or pitted, indicating potential binding or uneven wear that could compromise stopping performance. Tyres should be examined for uneven wear patterns, signs of perishing, or residual damage, as the history shows repeated failures on tread depth and condition. The CV joint boot deterioration from February 2023 and February 2025 also warrants verification, as a split boot can lead to accelerated joint failure and potential drivetrain contamination. Corrosion on the rear coil springs and other suspension components should be thoroughly checked, as this could indicate broader structural issues.