2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · OY64 AAZ

A pattern of recurring advisory notes across all four recorded MOT examinations suggests a vehicle that has remained roadworthy but is beginning to show age-related wear on its suspension and braking components. The most recent test on 26 August 2026 was a pass, though it carried two advisories alongside a minor windscreen defect. Front shock absorber oil misting was flagged for the first time in 2026, and a front suspension arm pin or bush wear advisory has now appeared twice, having first been recorded in 2023. An offside rear brake binding advisory also surfaced in 2023, indicating that the rear brake mechanism may require attention. The trend overall is one of stable roadworthiness with a slowly accumulating list of component advisories rather than any sudden deterioration or test failure. With 47,512 miles recorded over twelve years, this Polo has covered approximately 3,959 miles annually, which is well below average for a vehicle of this age. MOT testing has occurred annually without any gaps, suggesting the car has remained in active use throughout its life rather than being laid up for extended periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically results in slower wear of high-mileage components such as the clutch, drivetrain and major internal engine parts, but it can accelerate degradation of items that suffer from standing still, including brake discs corroding on the surface, rubber bushes perishing from lack of regular flexing, and brake calliper pistons seizing due to infrequent operation. The 2023 advisory regarding a binding rear brake is consistent with this profile and worth bearing in mind during inspection. The front suspension is the area demanding the closest physical attention. The 2026 advisory on shock absorber misting indicates the hydraulic seals are beginning to weep, and on a test drive this typically presents as a slightly vague or unsettled front end over undulations, or a gentle shimmy through the steering wheel over rough surfaces. The recurring suspension arm pin or bush wear advisory, now logged on both the nearside and rear mounting points, is best evaluated by placing the vehicle on a ramp and levering the front arms to check for free play, or by driving over speed bumps at slow speed and listening for clonking or knocking from the front suspension. Any noticeable deterioration in ride quality or steering precision since the test date warrants immediate re-examination. The braking system and tyres also merit specific checks. The offside rear brake binding noted in 2023 should be confirmed clear by ensuring the rear disc rotates freely by hand when cold and that the vehicle does not pull to one side under light braking. A pulling sensation, uneven pad wear, or a handbrake that requires excessive travel to hold the car would indicate the issue has returned. The front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and on the edge in 2023, while the rear tyres showed perishing and tread cuts in 2025, so current tread depth and sidewall condition should be measured directly rather than assumed. Finally, the oil leak from the front shock absorbers and the existing windscreen damage should be inspected for any progression, as either could realistically advance from advisory to failure status before the next MOT is due.