2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Diesel · LR63 BWM

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 12 November 2025 at 165,156 miles, but the failure just two days prior reveals persistent issues that were not resolved between tests. The recurring fault on the nearside front suspension arm bush, present in both the 2025 failures and the 2025 pass, indicates a component that has been tolerated rather than replaced. Tyre wear close to the legal limit appeared in three consecutive tests since 2022, suggesting routine neglect of rotation or alignment, and the windscreen wiper inefficiency remains unaddressed despite being flagged twice. This is not a pattern of improvement—it reflects deferred maintenance. The recorded mileage of 165,156 miles over 13 years equates to roughly 12,700 miles annually, which is high for a 2013 Polo and consistent with regular use. There is no evidence of long-term storage or low-mileage periods; the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests was only 12,652 miles, and the jump from 158,246 to 165,156 miles in under a year confirms sustained driving. No significant mileage anomalies or gaps suggest odometer tampering, but the consistent wear across components aligns with this level of use. A buyer must inspect the nearside front suspension arm and its bushing in person—this is not a minor advisory but a component that will eventually fail and compromise steering control. The tyres, already worn to the limit, require immediate replacement and a full four-wheel alignment check to prevent uneven wear recurrence. The rear brake system should be examined for potential binding or uneven pad wear, as tyre edge wear often correlates with brake imbalance. The offside registration lamp and windscreen wiper are low-cost fixes but indicate a broader pattern of minimal upkeep; the stop lamp lens defect from 2024 also suggests lighting systems have been overlooked. There is no record of corrosion or structural damage, but given the age and mileage, a thorough underbody inspection for rust on suspension mounts, wheel arches, and exhaust hangers is essential.