2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Diesel · MX11 BUB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following its pass on 8 July 2026 at 95,245 miles, but the maintenance trend is worsening. The most recent test contains a high volume of advisories, including worn front tyres, thin brake pads, and a corroded rear sub-frame. Several of these issues, such as the play in the steering rack inner joint and the misting rear shock absorber, have persisted since the July 2025 test, indicating a reactive approach to maintenance where faults are noted but not rectified. The mileage is typical for a 13 year old car, averaging roughly 7,327 miles per year. The record shows consistent usage, with a steady increase from 52,988 miles in April 2018 to the current 95,245 miles. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, though the vehicle underwent a period of poor upkeep around June 2020, where it failed on multiple safety items including missing wheel fixings and excessively binding rear brakes. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the chassis and braking system. The rear service brakes have been flagged for binding in five separate tests dating back to July 2021, suggesting a chronic fault with the calipers or hydraulics. The mention of rear sub-frame corrosion in the July 2026 test requires a close look to ensure the structural integrity is not compromised. The steering and suspension components also show signs of neglect. The offside steering rack inner joint has been flagged for two consecutive years, and the front suspension arm bushes have been an ongoing issue since June 2022. Combined with the current thin brake pads and worn tyres, the record implies the previous owner skipped basic preventative maintenance in favour of the bare minimum required to pass the MOT.