2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · OV63 OAS

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 February 2026 resulted in a PASS, but only after a prior failed attempt on the same date. The failure items included a nearside front headlamp with an aim set too high, an insecure exhaust system, and an offside front suspension arm pin or bush exhibiting excessive wear, alongside a minor windscreen damage note. A pattern emerges when reviewing the surrounding test history, with the front exhaust flexi producing advisory notes for at least three consecutive years, and the offside front lower suspension arm rear bush flagged as worn in 2025 and progressing to an excessive wear major defect in 2026. This trajectory suggests a vehicle whose maintenance trend is gradually worsening rather than stable, particularly concerning the suspension component which has moved from advisory to failure severity within a single annual cycle. The recorded mileage of 90,633 miles over approximately 13 years equates to an average annual usage of around 6,972 miles, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this era. The gap between the 2023 and 2025 tests suggests a period of reduced mileage accumulation or extended test interval, while the 2026 test returning within the calendar year indicates renewed or higher usage. For a Polo of this age and mileage, the mechanical implications are well understood; the timing chain, water pump, coil packs, and dual mass flywheel are common failure points on higher mileage 1.2 TSI and 1.4 petrol units, while the diesel variants require close attention to the DPF, EGR valve, and dual mass flywheel condition. A prospective buyer should place particular emphasis on the offside front suspension arm assembly, as the recorded progression of bush wear indicates imminent replacement is overdue. On a test drive, listen for clonking noises over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full lock manoeuvres, and inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres for uneven wear patterns characteristic of worn suspension bushes. The front exhaust flexi has been flagged repeatedly, and any audible ticking under acceleration, a faint exhaust gas smell inside the cabin, or visible soot deposits around the front pipe joint should be taken as confirmation that a new flexi section is required. The exhaust system mounting defect noted in 2025 and the insecure exhaust failure in 2026 further suggest the rear silencer and intermediate mounts warrant close visual inspection from beneath the vehicle. Beyond the items directly referenced in the MOT record, several age and mileage related checks are strongly advised. The rear tyres were both flagged as being close to the legal limit on the most recent test, so all four tyres should be examined for both tread depth and sidewall cracking, given that perishing rubber is common on a thirteen year old car regardless of remaining tread. The 2023 advisory regarding fluctuating front brake service suggests the caliper slides, pins, and pads are worth close inspection for uneven wear or sticking pistons, which can cause brake pull or judder. The nearside washer jet defect should be confirmed as rectified, and the windscreen chip should be monitored for any spread, as further damage could result in an MOT failure. Finally, a thirteen year old Polo warrants verification of the cambelt or timing chain service history, a 12V battery health check, and confirmation of recent coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil changes, as time based fluid degradation is a common cause of corrosion and component wear in vehicles of this vintage.