2004 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LE04 XKD

The most recent MOT on 23 February 2022 at 93,942 miles recorded a pass, with only a front lower coolant leak and slight play in the front lower track‑rod end ball joint noted. Earlier failures in 2021 and 2019 centred on tyre condition, brake disc wear and CV‑joint boot deterioration, but the successive passes from 2020 onward suggest the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory has shifted from a period of recurring faults to a more stable condition. Across a 22‑year lifespan the car has accumulated 93,942 miles, averaging roughly 4,300 miles per year – well below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage rose from 65,783 miles in early 2017 to 93,942 miles by early 2022, indicating a modest increase of about 28,000 miles over five years, with no evidence of sudden high‑kilometre usage. The record shows no large gaps in testing, implying regular MOT attendance and consistent, albeit low, utilisation. A prospective buyer should verify the front lower coolant system for leaks and confirm that the front lower track‑rod ball joint exhibits no excessive play. Inspection of the off‑side rear CV joint boot, which was flagged as split in the 2021 test, is essential to ensure it now seals correctly. The steering rack inner joints and front suspension wishbone bushes, repeatedly noted with play since 2017, merit a hands‑on check for any looseness or oil leakage. Tyre tread depth, especially on the off‑side rear tyre that was previously described as cracked, must be measured, and the brake discs should be examined for pitting beyond the minor wear recorded in 2019. Finally, confirm that the anti‑roll bar linkage dust covers are intact and that no child‑seat fitting obstructs the adult belt, as highlighted in the 2021 failure.