2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SM07 HFJ

Corrosion and wear on the rear brake hoses, rear suspension arm and rear shock casings dominate the MOT record, with a severely deteriorated CV boot on the off‑side front drive shaft also recurring, while 2026 introduced a headlamp mounting fault, an over‑aimed headlamp and a leaking fuel filter as major failures. The pattern shows that, although the vehicle has passed recent tests, it carries a suite of ageing components that have repeatedly required advisory attention and, most recently, outright failure, indicating that the rear braking and suspension systems, plus the front drivetrain boot, will likely need remedial work before reliable daily use. At 61,782 mi for a 2007 model the annualised mileage is roughly 3,250 mi, well below the typical usage rate for a car of this age. The low mileage suggests periods of light use or extended storage, which can accelerate corrosion on brake lines, hose ferrules and suspension arms, as reflected in the MOT advisories. No significant mileage spikes appear in the test history, so the wear on consumables is more likely to be a function of age and exposure rather than high‑stress operation, but the modest total distance does not offset the need to address age‑related degradation. When inspecting the vehicle, focus on the rear braking system: feel the pedal for softening, sponginess or a drop in pressure that could indicate hose corrosion or internal leakage, and listen for any hissing or fluid seepage around the ferrules. Examine the rear suspension arm for excessive play or creaking over bumps, and check the rear shock absorbers for oil leakage or a loss of damping by applying pressure to the wheel and observing rebound. The off‑side front CV boot should be inspected for cracks, grease loss or splatter on the wheel hub, and the front drive shaft should be turned by hand to detect any clicking that would signal joint wear. A thorough mechanical check should include confirming that the near‑side headlamp is securely mounted and correctly aimed, repairing the fuel filter leak, and verifying that the front windscreen washer now operates. A qualified technician should replace the corroded brake hoses and rear suspension arm if any structural weakening is evident, and consider a full brake fluid service to eliminate any contamination introduced by the hose condition. During a test drive, watch for steering pull, uneven braking, or rattles from the rear suspension, and ensure there is no fuel odour or spray from the filter area, all of which would confirm that the identified MOT defects have been properly rectified.