2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · RY57 ABX

The most recent MOT test dated 7 January 2026 shows a fail with no subsequent pass recorded on the system, meaning the vehicle must have been retested and passed on the same date as the latest pass entry, though it is worth confirming with the seller that all five major defects identified on the failure notice have been properly rectified with evidence of rectification. The failure items included a non-conforming front registration plate, a faulty offside rear seat belt buckle, misaligned windscreen washer jets, an insecure rear exhaust back box, and a damaged offside front wing mirror presenting a sharp edge, all of which are safety-related and could point to either general neglect or simply a lapse in pre-test preparation. Looking at the broader trend across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests, the vehicle has accumulated a meaningful cluster of advisories relating to the front registration plate deterioration, rear seat belt retraction, front brake pad wear, front tyre condition, and an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, with several of these advisories recurring or escalating into major defects at the subsequent test, which suggests a maintenance pattern that is at best inconsistent and at worst gradually worsening, particularly around consumable items and safety components. The recorded mileage of 122,079 miles on a 19-year-old vehicle equates to approximately 6,425 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates the Polo has been used as intended rather than left standing for prolonged periods. That said, the MOT history only shows test entries at annual intervals beginning in 2024, and the mileage recorded across these three test points should be cross-referenced with the V5C log book and any service invoices to verify consistency. Assuming the mileage is genuine and broadly continuous, this usage rate is favourable in that it suggests regular driving which helps prevent issues such as seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, and oil seal drying out, but it also means that at 122,000 miles, components such as the timing belt, water pump, clutch, and suspension bushes are likely approaching or have already exceeded their typical service life on this model. Given the recurring advisories around the front brake pads and the front tyres wearing on their edges, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough inspection of the braking system including checking the front disc condition for lipping, scoring or corrosion around the outer edge, as worn pads combined with a binding caliper can produce uneven wear patterns and pulling to one side under braking. The tyre edge wear noted on both front tyres in 2024 is a strong indicator of either incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, track rod ends, or top mounts, or a combination of both, so a close listen for clonking or knocking over speed bumps and uneven inspection of the inner and outer tread shoulders is highly advisable. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover failure flagged in 2025 should also be verified as replaced, as perished gaiters allow dirt ingress and accelerate joint wear, producing a characteristic rattle or knock over uneven road surfaces. Additionally, the offside rear seat belt retraction issues noted in 2025 and the non-functioning buckle flagged at the 2026 test warrant careful checking that the belt spools smoothly, latches securely, and retracts fully without hesitation. Beyond the MOT-recorded items, a 2007 Polo at this mileage and age requires attention to a number of calendar-based service items that may not appear on any test. Brake fluid should have been changed at least every two years regardless of mileage, and given the age, it is almost certainly overdue and hygroscopic, which can lead to a spongy pedal and reduced braking efficiency. The 12V battery health should be tested as units beyond six years frequently fail without warning, particularly in vehicles that may have had periods of short journeys. Coolant system integrity is also important on the Polo, as the plastic coolant reservoir and thermostat housing become brittle with age, and any green or pink staining around the engine bay should prompt further investigation. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking, perishing, and bulging, as a 19-year-old vehicle may have age-related degradation even where tread depth remains legal, and all four tyres should be of matching age and specification. Finally, request evidence of cambelt and water pump replacement history, as the recommended interval on this engine is typically every four to five years or around 60,000 to 80,000 miles, and at 122,000 miles it is critical to confirm this work has been carried out with supporting invoices, as a snapped timing belt on these engines will cause catastrophic internal engine damage.