2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · RV10 LUT

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, following a clean pass in its most recent MOT in March 2026 at 112,849 miles. The maintenance trend shows a marked improvement after a period of mechanical decline in 2023. While the car suffered from significant suspension failures previously, the absence of defects in the last two tests indicates that the identified faults were addressed by the previous owner. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 16-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. Between February 2024 and March 2026, the car covered 6,530 miles, suggesting steady, predictable usage rather than long periods of standing stationary. This consistent use is generally beneficial for rubber components and brake seals, though the overall age of the vehicle means that age-related degradation of plastics remains a constant factor regardless of the low annual mileage. An in-person inspection should focus on the front suspension geometry given the history of recurring issues. The 2023 failure highlighted serious fluid leaks from both front shock absorbers and worn upper Macpherson strut bushes, while the nearside front inner tie rod also showed play across the 2023 and 2024 tests. Although these were cleared in later tests, a buyer should verify that the tie rod ends are tight and that the shock absorbers show no signs of new oil weeping. The 2024 test also noted a corroded rear exhaust box, which did not result in a failure but indicates the beginning of structural decay. The buyer should visually inspect the exhaust hangers and the entire system system to ensure corrosion has not progressed beyond a manageable point. Structural integrity of the sills and floor pans remains a priority for a Volkswagen Polo of this era, though the recent clean records suggest the primary mechanical components are currently stable.