2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SL57 WZX

A 2007 Volkswagen Polo carrying a recorded 67,212 miles presents a mixed mechanical picture, with two recent MOT failures among the five tests logged, alongside a growing cluster of advisories that have compounded over the past three years. The latest entry on 1 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a same-day failure was addressed; that test carried an advisory for both rear axle swivel pins and bushes showing slight wear, plus a minor for a deteriorated track rod end dust cover. The earlier 2024 failure was more serious, registering a dangerous tyre tread defect alongside major exhaust, washer, and mirror issues, which suggests the vehicle was not consistently maintained to a high standard in the immediate period before that test. The 2025 test also failed first time on misaligned washer jets, although the more chronic pattern across the record is one of repeat advisories rather than catastrophic defects, with rear exhaust leaks noted in both 2022 and 2023, and front brake disc wear flagged in 2024. With an average accumulation of roughly 3,500 miles per year over nineteen years, this Polo has seen only modest use, which can limit wear on major drivetrain components but also brings the usual considerations of low-mileage operation. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods off the road, with tests recorded consistently across 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular active service. The mileage progression between tests appears broadly consistent with light daily use rather than any unusual spikes or stagnation, which tends to keep internal engine and transmission wear proportionate to the modest annual figure. For a prospective purchaser, the most pressing component to inspect physically is the rear suspension, given the advisory recorded on the most recent test for both rear swivel pins and bushes. On the move, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear axle over uneven road surfaces and feel for any vagueness in the steering response, which would suggest the wear has progressed beyond the slight level recorded by the tester. The front brake discs, noted as worn in 2024, should be checked for lipping on the outer edge and any shudder through the steering wheel under firm braking, as Polo front discs of this generation are known to wear progressively. Given the constant velocity boot deterioration recorded in 2025, the offside front inner joint area should be inspected for fresh grease loss, and a test drive should include full-lock turns in both directions to listen for any clicking or knocking that would indicate a failing joint. The exhaust system deserves particular attention, having been flagged with a minor leak in both 2022 and 2023 before escalating to a major leak failure in 2024, which suggests replacement sections may have been fitted or the system warrants close inspection for rust perforation, particularly at joints and mounting points. The rear tyres flagged for cracking and perishing in 2025 should be examined for sidewall age-related deterioration typical of a vehicle of this vintage, regardless of remaining tread depth. Finally, check that both windscreen washer jets are correctly aimed and producing strong flow, as this defect has now caused a fail-to-pass item twice in the past two years, and confirm the nearside front headlamp alignment is correct, since the 2026 failure cited incorrect positioning of that lamp.