2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · MW10 MDN

This Volkswagen Polo’s most recent MOT, conducted just over a year ago on 26 August 2025 at 109,421 miles, confirms full roadworthiness with no defects recorded. However, the preceding tests reveal a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance, particularly between August 2024 and July 2023. The vehicle failed its 2024 test on 19 August at 102,067 miles due to a cluster of issues—including excessively worn suspension bushes, corroded sub-frame sections, and compromised brake lever reserve travel—before narrowly passing the following day at 102,120 miles with the same faults downgraded to advisory status. This suggests the previous owner either overlooked critical components or chose to drive the car with borderline safety risks between tests. The 2023 and earlier tests show no defects, indicating the problems emerged around the 90,000-mile mark and persisted without resolution. The mileage progression of approximately 6,800 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests—spanning nearly ten months—is unusually long for a car operating at this mileage. The rapid accumulation of 7,000 miles between the failed and passed 2024 tests (a span of just two days) is also suspicious and suggests either deliberate manipulation of the test date or an attempt to bypass critical repairs. The lack of consistent servicing intervals, combined with the recurrence of suspension and brake faults, implies the vehicle has not undergone regular professional maintenance. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the front suspension components, particularly the lower arm bushes and track rod ball joints, as these were flagged repeatedly for excessive wear and corrosion. The rear sub-frame corrosion, while classified as non-serious in past tests, warrants closer examination for potential structural weakening, especially around the axle mounting points. Brake system integrity should also be thoroughly checked, with emphasis on the rear brakes—though not explicitly failed—given the history of front brake disc and pad wear. Tyres, though legally compliant at the last test, show a pattern of edge wear, indicating alignment or load-bearing issues that may have contributed to the suspension faults. Documented corrosion on suspension arms and sub-frame sections suggests the vehicle has likely been exposed to moisture or poor storage conditions, accelerating wear on critical load-bearing parts.