2018 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · OS05 JAM

The 2018 Volkswagen Polo presents a largely stable and improving mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 24 November 2025 at 28,578 miles, where it passed with zero defects. That clean sheet is significant. It follows a period of recurring brake and tyre wear items that appear to have been addressed promptly. The maintenance trend over the last three years is clearly resolving, with no new advisories or failures since the dual test entries of August 2024. The vehicle has covered approximately 28,578 miles over roughly eight years, averaging around 3,572 miles per year. This is notably low for its age. The MOT record supports this pattern, showing incremental gains of around 5,150 miles between August 2023 and August 2024, then only 743 miles in the subsequent three months before the November 2025 test. Such low annual usage can mean extended periods of standing, which carries its own risks, including flat-spotted tyres, brake surface corrosion, and fluid degradation from lack of circulation. Buyers should focus their in-person inspection on the braking system, which has been the most frequently flagged area. The August 2024 failure identified a significantly worn nearside rear brake disc alongside thin rear pads, and a separate advisory noted pitted or scored rear discs in August 2023. Although the November 2025 test was clean, surface corrosion on discs and caliper slides can develop quickly on a car that sits for long periods. Check for uneven disc thickness, binding calipers, and pad condition across all four corners. The offside rear tyre has worn close to the legal limit on two separate occasions, in September 2025 and August 2024. This recurring pattern suggests possible alignment issues, suspension bush wear, or simply uneven loading. A thorough check of the rear suspension geometry and bush condition is advisable. Given the low mileage and long stationary periods, also inspect the tyres for age-related cracking, even if tread depth appears adequate.