2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · RF09 FUG

The most recent MOT test on 16 July 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator. However, evaluating the broader trajectory reveals a pattern that warrants attention. The previous year's test on 10 July 2025 passed but carried five advisories relating to tyre condition across all four wheels, alongside a minor seat belt buckle issue. Just one day prior to that pass, the vehicle failed on major defects concerning both headlamp aim being too low, an offside track rod end dust cover that was no longer preventing dirt ingress, a corresponding nearside cover in poor condition, and a non-functioning side repeater. This sequence suggests that while the vehicle has been brought to a roadworthy standard, there have been intermittent lapses in maintenance, particularly regarding front suspension joints, lighting alignment, and exterior lighting function. The 2024 test also flagged an anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failure and front tyre wear, indicating that suspension and tyre wear issues have been recurring rather than one-off occurrences. The recorded mileage of 88,927 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 5,231 miles, which is substantially below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage generally indicates lighter mechanical wear on major drivetrain components, but it also raises the probability of issues associated with prolonged standing periods. Rubber components, brake discs, and the 12V battery are all susceptible to degradation through lack of use rather than wear, and the MOT history does show advisory items consistent with age-related deterioration such as tyre cracking and perishing on the rear pair in 2025. There are no significant mileage gaps visible in the test history, with annual tests conducted consistently from 2021 onwards, which suggests steady if infrequent use. For a prospective buyer, several inspection points should be prioritised based on the recorded defect pattern. The repeated advisories concerning front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edges point strongly to potential wheel alignment or suspension geometry issues, which on a test drive would manifest as steering pull to one side, uneven steering return, or a vague feeling through the wheel. The track rod end and anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failures on both sides indicate that the front suspension has been exposed to contamination, accelerating wear on the ball joints themselves; listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and check for excessive play when the steering is loaded. Brake discs and calipers should be carefully examined for corrosion and binding given the low mileage, as standing vehicles frequently develop seized caliper slides or surface corrosion that can cause shudder under braking and uneven pad wear. Additional age-appropriate checks should include a thorough inspection of all tyre sidewalls for cracking and perishing, as the 2025 advisories specifically noted this on the rear tyres and perished rubber is a common failure point on low-mileage vehicles. Verify that the 12V battery holds charge under load, as batteries older than five years in low-use vehicles frequently fail without warning. Check that all fluid services have been carried out at calendar-based intervals regardless of mileage, particularly brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, as time-based degradation is just as significant as mileage-based wear. Finally, confirm that the exhaust system has been inspected for corrosion, given that advisories in both 2023 and 2024 flagged exhaust condition issues at the centre-to-rear joint and rear silencer, and inspect all exterior lighting including side repeaters and headlamp aim adjustment to ensure recent repairs have been completed properly and remain in adjustment.