2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LT59 PXH

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 September 2025 resulted in a pass, though two minor defects and two advisories were recorded, indicating that the vehicle remains roadworthy but is beginning to show a few items requiring attention. Reviewing the trajectory of recorded advisories over the last four MOT cycles reveals a maintenance trend that is gradually worsening rather than improving. In 2021 and 2020 the record was largely clean apart from a single tyre edge wear advisory, whereas the 2022, 2023 and 2024 tests have progressively introduced suspension component wear, rear tyre edge wear, brake hose corrosion and a parking brake efficiency concern. The appearance of front anti-roll bar linkage play alongside deteriorating lower suspension arm bushes suggests that the front suspension is accumulating wear consistent with age, even though mileage is relatively modest. This pattern warrants careful physical inspection and budgeting for likely suspension and brake component renewal. With 89,938 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged around 5,290 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and suggests either light regular use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Such low annual mileage is mechanically beneficial in terms of engine and drivetrain wear, but it does carry specific implications including accelerated corrosion of brake discs due to infrequent use, possible binding of calipers from standing, ageing of coolant and brake fluid beyond their calendar-based service intervals, and stiffening or perishing of rubber components including tyres, hoses and drive belts. The MOT history shows no significant mileage gaps that would imply long-term storage, and the steady accumulation of miles confirms the vehicle has remained in active use, which is generally preferable to prolonged layup for mechanical integrity. The recurring advisories relating to front suspension components are the most significant area for a prospective buyer to investigate physically. The 2022 advisory noted both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm rear bushes as worn, and the 2023 entry added nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play, while the 2019 failure recorded a perished anti-roll bar linkage dust cover. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, speed humps and during sharp low-speed turns, and feel for vagueness or instability through the steering. These symptoms would indicate that the bushes, anti-roll bar drop links and possibly the anti-roll bar itself now require renewal, and a budget of several hundred pounds should be anticipated for quality aftermarket components and fitting. A physical check should include pushing down firmly on each front corner to detect excessive bounce and visually inspecting the bushes for cracking, splitting or deformation of the rubber. The brake-related advisories also merit close attention. The 2024 test recorded that rear parking brake efficiency was only just met and that the system required attention, and the 2025 test noted slight corrosion to a brake hose ferrule. During inspection, verify that the handbrake holds firmly on a steep incline without excessive lever travel, as further deterioration could result in failure at the next MOT. Examine the visible sections of brake hoses for rust staining, cracking or weeping around the crimped ferrules where they meet the calipers and wheel cylinders, as corrosion here can progress to fluid leakage under pressure. Given the low annual mileage, it is also prudent to check the brake discs for severe corrosion pitting on the outer edges and faces, which can cause brake shudder or juddering under heavy application, and to confirm that none of the calipers are seizing. The tyre advisories relating to edge wear on the nearside rear in 2023 and 2024 suggest a tracking or camber issue worth investigating through a geometry check, and the 2025 advisory for offside rear tyre cracking or perishing is consistent with age-related rubber degradation even at adequate tread depth, so all four tyres should be examined for sidewall deterioration given the vehicle's age. Finally, verify the timing belt or cam belt replacement history according to Volkswagen's schedule, assess the condition and age of the 12 volt battery, and confirm that brake fluid and coolant have been changed within their recommended intervals, as calendar-aged fluids are a common oversight on low-mileage vehicles of this vintage.