2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Diesel · SL09 WMK

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile, characterized by a trend of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 97,828 miles, this followed a significant failure just two days prior. The history shows that the owner only addresses defects once they artwork the MOT certificate, evidenced by the repeated failures for lighting issues, tyres, and suspension components. This pattern suggests that mechanical faults are being overlooked until legal compliance demands intervention. At 97,828 miles over 17 years, the car has averaged a low mileage of approximately 5,755 miles per year. However, the low usage has not shielded the vehicle from rubber-based component failure or environmental neglect. Between October 2023 and February 2025, the car covered only 6,033 miles, yet suffered from multiple mechanical failures including split CV boots, binding brakes, and failing windscreen wipers. This indicates that the vehicle may be suffering from age-related degradation despite the low odometer reading. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the nearside rear outer suspension mounting area, which was flagged as damaged in February 2026. Although the tester did not classify it as excessive corrosion, the presence of structural damage in a mounting area requires monitoring for spread. The history also highlights recurring issues with drive shaft boots and anti-roll bar linkages, which both failed in 2025. These components should be checked for current grease leakage or play to prevent drivetrain failure or joint damage. The braking system requires close attention given that the offside rear service brake was found much binding in 2025 and the parking brake was below requirements. Additionally, the repeated failures for front tyres worn unevenly across 2023 and 2026 suggest a persistent alignment issue or poor tyre pressure management. Given the recent failure of lighting units and levelling devices, the electrical system and external plastics should also be verified to ensure no hidden faults remain.