2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SD62 LFH

The most recent MOT on 2025-07-29 recorded a pass at 68,894 miles, but earlier that same day, a fail entry noted significant corrosion on the offside front Macpherson strut, rear beam axle, and rear exhaust box. The failed test also highlighted a minor exhaust leak, a corroded offside rear brake pipe, and an out-of-spec exhaust lambda reading. These issues suggest ongoing corrosion and potential exhaust system degradation, which could indicate exposure to harsh environments or inadequate maintenance. A prior fail on 2024-08-19 revealed severe braking issues, including a leaking offside rear hydraulic brake cylinder and braking efficiency below 50% of required levels. This was addressed by the subsequent pass on 2024-08-22, but the 2025-07-29 pass shows no improvement in corrosion-related defects. The pattern suggests recurring corrosion on critical suspension and exhaust components, which may worsen over time if not properly managed. The vehicle’s mileage of 68,894 miles over 14 years equates to roughly 4,921 miles annually—a low figure for its age. While this could imply lighter use, it also raises concerns about potential under-use , such as prolonged periods of inactivity, which might lead to fluid degradation, rust, or component stiffness. However, the absence of major defects in the 2023-08-19 and 2024-08-22 MOTs indicates that the vehicle was in acceptable condition until late 2024. The trend shows stability in critical safety systems (e.g., brakes were repaired and passed), but persistent corrosion on structural and exhaust components remains a risk.