2011 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · ML61 WBV

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 13 April 2026 at 86,954 miles, confirming it remains roadworthy despite a concerning trend regarding braking system maintenance. The record indicates a pattern of deferred remedial work. In December 2023, the car failed at 59,648 miles specifically because front brake pads measured less than 1.5 mm thick, a critical defect. Although a retest the same day resulted in a pass, the April 2026 inspection now flags the front brake discs as worn, pitted, or scored. This progression strongly suggests the owner replaced the pads in 2023 but left the original discs in situ, allowing the new pads to score the rotors. Usage intensity has accelerated significantly in recent years compared to the vehicle's lifetime average. While the Polo averages roughly 5,800 miles annually over its 15-year lifespan, the data shows a distinct surge in activity. Between the December 2023 and December 2024 tests, the odometer climbed by approximately 11,500 miles, followed by a further 12,000-mile increase by December 2025. This doubling of the average annual mileage suggests the car has recently served as a primary vehicle or high-usage commuter. You should prioritise a physical inspection of the braking system and exhaust integrity before purchase. The MOT history documents a persistent exhaust issue, noting a minor leak of gases in December 2023 and December 2024, followed by a general deterioration warning in December 2025. The 2023 failure also highlighted an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge, which often indicates suspension tracking misalignment. Given the recent advisory on scored front discs, you should budget for the immediate replacement of both front discs and pads to restore optimal braking efficiency.