2017 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · RA17 OGV

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate, but the overall maintenance trend is reactive rather than proactive. While it passed the most recent test on January 2026 at 125,222 miles, it failed just one week prior at 124,975 miles with eight significant safety-related defects, including an SRS warning lamp, a failed horn, and multiple tyre failures. This suggests the previous owner only addressed faults when forced by an inspection failure rather than performing routine preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is high for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 14,000 miles per year. There was a significant surge of 12,645 miles recorded between January 2024 and January 2025, and another 13,566-mile interval leading into the latest test. This consistent high-mileage usage places accelerated stress on all wear components, which is evidenced by the recurring failure of brake components, tyres, and suspension elements across the various 12-month intervals. A buyer must focus heavily on the suspension and braking system, as the record shows persistent issues with front lower suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages. The tester flagged worn bushes again in January 2026, and the front brake discs were noted as pitted and scored, indicating a lack of component replacement. The recurring damage to the nearside front wing and bumper requires a physical inspection to ensure no hidden structural deformation or mounting point fatigue resulted from these impacts. The presence of an SRS warning lamp fault in the January 2026 failure is a critical concern that requires professional diagnostic verification to ensure the airbags and pretensioners are functional. Given the history of neglecting tyres with damaged cords and insufficient tread depth, the current state of all rubber should be scrutinized for uneven wear patterns. The vehicle shows a pattern of high-use operation with minimal intervention, which often masks deeper mechanical wear in the drivetrain and chassis.