2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · OW62 KNB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a shift from perfect scores to reactive repairs. While the Polo passed through its 2023 and 2024 tests without defects, the most recent inspection on 9 December 2025 at 62,057 miles identified mechanical weaknesses. The appearance of thin rear brake pads and a severely deteriorated nearside front drive shaft boot suggests that components are now reaching the end of their service life. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,433 miles per year. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the car covered only 1,455 miles, followed by another 1,412 miles in the year leading up to the latest test. This low usage frequency often leads to the degradation of rubber components, such as CV boots and bushings, due to age rather than wear, which aligns with the boot failure recorded in the 2025 test. A buyer should prioritize inspecting the nearside front drive shaft to ensure that grease has not escaped from the CV joint, which would lead to a more expensive replacement and mechanical failure. The thin rear brake pads require immediate attention, and the buyer should check the brake discs for pitting or corrosion caused by long periods of inactivity. Given the age and low mileage, a thorough check for perished rubber hoses and underbody corrosion is also essential, as these are common issues for vehicles that sit stationary.