2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Diesel · RO12 SOJ
2012 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, diesel). First registered 30 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 150,741 miles. MOT valid until 19 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 150,741 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RO12 SOJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/03/2026
- 150,741 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RO12 SOJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Volkswagen Polo (RO12 SOJ) between February 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
RO12 SOJ Mileage History
- 28/02/2023110,028 mi
- 01/03/2024120,762 mi+10,734 mi
- 20/03/2025135,358 mi+14,596 mi
- 20/03/2025135,358 mi
- 12/03/2026150,741 mi+15,383 mi
Average of roughly 13,420 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution is advised due to the very high
Prioritise a thorough check of the suspension and steering systems; the MOT history shows repeated issues with track rod ends, inner tie rods, and currently a misting shock absorber. You should verify if the CV boot and exhaust sleeve issues flagged in 2024 and 2025 were professionally repaired or merely patched.
Given the mileage exceeds 150,000, request detailed service records to confirm that critical maintenance, such as timing belt replacements and oil changes, has been performed at the correct intervals for a high-mileage diesel engine. Use the history of corrosion on the exhaust and coil springs as a point for price negotiation.
The 1.2L diesel engine is designed for fuel efficiency, which is a primary advantage of this variant. However, insurance and tax will be based on 2012 regulations, and the high mileage may increase the frequency of component failures.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this model due to the age and mileage, particularly regarding the replacement of worn suspension bushings and exhaust sections. Typical annual costs will include diesel fuel, road tax, and a budget for preventative maintenance.
Specifically inspect the offside rear shock absorber for oil leaks, as this was an advisory on the March 2026 MOT. Examine the underside of the vehicle for corrosion, paying close attention to the rear coil springs and the exhaust box, both of which were flagged in previous years.
Check the tyre tread and wear patterns on the front axle; a failure for a worn offside front tyre in 2025, combined with steering play advisories, suggests a need to verify the current wheel alignment and tyre condition.
This black 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L diesel has covered 150,741 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average. MOT records indicate a trend of wear-related issues, specifically regarding steering components and exhaust corrosion. The most recent test in March 2026 was a pass, though it noted a leaking rear shock absorber.
The Polo has an average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, with common failure points typically including tyres and ball joints.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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