2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SH09 OSB

The vehicle currently presents a concerning roadworthiness status with a clear trend of worsening mechanical neglect. While it passed its most recent test in March 2026 at 94,076 miles, this pass followed a failure just three days prior involving multiple significant defects. The transition from a clean record in 2024 to a series of structural and mechanical failures in 2025 and 2026 suggests that the vehicle has entered a phase of accelerated wear where repairs are replacing preventative maintenance. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 94,076 miles represents a low average of approximately 5,500 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant gap in usage between March 2024 and March 2025, where the car covered only 836 miles in twelve months. This low usage likely explains the condition noted in the March 2026 test, where all four tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing. This indicates the vehicle has likely sat for long periods, causing the rubber to degrade despite having sufficient tread depth. A buyer must prioritize inspecting the steering and suspension components, as the play in the steering rack inner joints has been a recurring issue since at least 2025. The corrosion identified on the rear suspension spring mountings is a structural concern that requires close monitoring; while not yet excessive in 2026, rust in this area typically leads to failure. The previously fractured offside front coil spring in 2024 further highlights that the suspension system is reaching the end of its functional life. The failure of the reverse light and side repeater in the March 2026 test indicates a lack of basic electrical checks before testing. The damaged nearside mirror also suggests a history of physical impact without repair. Given the age of the car and the state of the perished tyres, a thorough inspection of the underbody corrosion and the integrity of the steering rack is essential before any purchase is finalised.