2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LM59 AYP

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While the most recent test in June 2025 at 76,755 miles passed, it revealed new deteriorated track rod end dust covers and an exhaust flexi-joint leak. These issues follow a more problematic period in June 2024, where multiple advisories related to braking, lighting, and suspension were noted, suggesting that components are often only addressed once they reach a point of near-failure. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 76,755 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year. The data shows consistent but infrequent usage, with roughly 6,500 miles covered between June 2024 and June 2025. However, this low mileage often correlates with age degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear. The record supports this through the recurring deterioration of CV boots and track rod dust covers, which dry out and crack over time regardless of the low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the front suspension and braking system. The 2024 test flagged a fluctuating offside front service brake and a parking brake that only just met efficiency requirements, indicating potential thinned discs or sticking calipers. Because the offside front CV boot was previously noted as weeping, this must be checked for current tearing which could lead to rapid driveshaft failure. Additionally, the history of distorted road wheel rims suggests the vehicle may have suffered significant curb strikes or impacts. The tyres have shown a pattern of being worn down to the legal limit across multiple years; the buyer should verify that current alignment is not causing rapid uneven wear. The exhaust leak noted in the 2025 test requires monitoring to ensure it does not worsen into an emissions failure. Given the vehicle's age and low usage, a thorough check of the chassis for structural corrosion is essential, as the records do not explicitly confirm the absence of rust despite the low mileage.