2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LO06 LEO

Chronic corrosion and accumulating structural wear dominate the mechanical profile of this seventeen-year-old Polo, with the most recent test on 3 August 2026 illustrating the trend clearly. On that date the vehicle was recorded as having a dangerous fractured front anti-roll bar on both sides, seriously weakened front suspension arms, insecure track rod end dust covers on both sides, and an exhaust leak likely to affect emissions, alongside advisories for corroded subframe mounting areas front and rear, corroded rear suspension components, and an outer wheel arch corrosion issue. These defects follow a multi-year pattern of advisories pointing in the same direction: corroded rear coil spring noted in 2022, offside front wheel arch corrosion flagged in 2024 and again in 2025, oil leaks recorded in 2023 and 2024, and progressively worsening track rod end and suspension ball joint dust covers. A 2024 failure also recorded both rear service brakes binding, and an earlier 2023 failure included a nearside front tyre with a cut exposing the ply or cords. The 2026 result in particular represents a serious deterioration rather than a stable position. Against an expected annual mileage of roughly 5,937 miles, the recorded 100,921 miles over seventeen years sits below the typical accumulation for a vehicle of this age, which is consistent with either extended periods of light use or significant standing time between annual tests. The MOT record does not reveal any obvious gaps in testing, but the consistency of corrosion, perished rubber boots, exhaust leakage, and seized rear brake callipers across consecutive years suggests that low running has not preserved the mechanical condition; instead, age-related degradation of ferrous components, rubber, and brake mechanisms has clearly progressed. Lower annual mileage here should therefore be read as a marker of age exposure rather than as evidence of preserved mechanical condition. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas are the front suspension and steering, the rear braking system, and the body structure. On inspection, the fractured anti-roll bar and corroded front suspension arms would normally have been rectified to achieve the pass, so written confirmation of the replaced components and a subsequent road test are essential; listen for clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces, vague or wandering steering, and any uneven tyre wear that could indicate the tracking has been disturbed by worn ball joints. The 2024 finding of both rear callipers binding, combined with the 2025 advisories for worn front brake discs and earlier rear wiper issues, means the brake pedal should be tested for smoothness and any pulling to one side under firm application, and the handbrake holding ability checked on an incline. Given the noted rear coil spring corrosion and rear suspension component corrosion advisories, the rear should be examined for sagging, clonks over speed humps, and any visible cracking around the spring seats and torsion beam mounts. Body integrity is the third major area requiring close scrutiny. Advisories in 2025 and 2026 for offside front and outer wheel arch corrosion, together with corroded subframe mounting areas front and rear, indicate that corrosion has reached the structural periphery and is approaching the mounting points for the suspension. A thorough check underneath should look for perforation around the wheel arches, sill seams, jacking points, and subframe-to-body interfaces, ideally using a torch and mirror. The recurring exhaust leak advisories from 2024 and 2025, escalating to a major failure item in 2026, suggest the system has corroded from within and a closer inspection of the downpipe, flexi section, and rear silencer for soot staining or active escaping gases is worthwhile when the engine is warm. Finally, the persistent minor oil leak advisories should prompt a check of the sump, cam chain cover, and rocker cover gasket for fresh seepage, as cumulative oil loss on a low-use vehicle of this age is often a precursor to a more significant gasket or seal failure.