2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · SN15 VVS

The Volkswagen Polo’s most recent MOT, conducted on 26 November 2025 at 73,760 miles, passed with two minor but recurring faults: binding service brakes on both rear wheels. This is not a new issue—it was first recorded in the November 2024 test at 63,907 miles, and only the offside rear was flagged then. The persistence of this fault suggests either deferred attention or a design quirk in the rear brake caliper or parking brake mechanism, though it has not escalated to a major defect. The absence of any structural, emissions, or safety-critical failures in the latest test indicates the car remains fundamentally roadworthy, but the binding brakes should be addressed promptly to prevent long-term wear on the brake pads or cables. Prior to these issues, the November 2023 and 2022 tests at 54,073 and 45,079 miles respectively passed without faults, implying the binding condition developed or worsened between 2022 and 2024. The Polo’s mileage accumulation—averaging around 6,705 miles per year—aligns closely with typical usage for its age, suggesting it has not been subjected to excessive wear from high annual mileage. The recorded figures show steady progression: from 35,074 miles in November 2021 to 73,760 miles by November 2025, with no sudden spikes or prolonged inactivity. This consistency reduces concerns about neglected maintenance or abrupt changes in driving habits, though the recurring brake issue contradicts that stability. The only earlier defect, a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit in November 2021 at 35,074 miles, was resolved by 2022, indicating tyres were replaced or rotated promptly. The lack of further tyre advisories since then is a positive sign of ongoing care in this area. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be the rear brake system, particularly the operation of the service brakes and parking brake mechanism. The binding condition could stem from seized calipers, contaminated brake pads, or a faulty parking brake cable—all of which require mechanical inspection to confirm. Suspension components, such as bushes or coil springs, have not been flagged in the MOT history, but a thorough check for wear or corrosion is advisable, especially on the rear where the brakes are problematic. Structural integrity appears sound, though a close examination of the underbody for corrosion—particularly around wheel arches and exhaust mounts—is prudent given the car’s age. The absence of advisories on steering, exhaust emissions, or lighting systems further reduces immediate concerns, but the buyer should verify whether the binding brakes have been addressed since the last MOT.