2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · ST15 EHR

The 2015 Polo presents in a stable mechanical condition at its most recent MOT on 12 September 2025, recording a clean pass at 95,657 miles with zero defects. That clean sheet is a positive indicator, yet the preceding two test cycles reveal a pattern of recurring tyre and rear brake wear that a buyer should not overlook. The maintenance trend is best described as resolving rather than consistently stable, with the most recent test suggesting the previous owner addressed the faults that caused the September 2024 failure. The mileage progression tells a coherent story. Between the failed test on 2 September 2024 at 78,674 miles and the passed retest on 9 September 2024 at 78,686 miles, only 12 miles were covered, confirming a genuine repair interval rather than a data anomaly. From 71,897 miles in September 2023 to 78,674 miles in September 2024, the car covered roughly 6,777 miles in twelve months, then added approximately 16,971 miles between September 2024 and September 2025. That sharp increase in annual mileage during the most recent year points to heavier use, which accelerates wear on consumable components. The overall average of around 8,696 miles per year over eleven years is unremarkable for a supermini of this age. The 2024 failure exposed several items that warrant close physical inspection. Both front tyres were worn to the legal limit on the inner edge, indicating either prolonged under-inflation or misaligned tracking that was corrected before the retest. The offside rear brake disc was described as significantly and obviously worn, and the offside rear brake pads were below 1.5 mm, suggesting the rear braking system was neglected until it reached a critical state. A buyer should measure remaining brake disc thickness and pad material on both rear corners, and check for uneven disc scoring. The rear tyres flagged in 2024 for cracking and perishing point to age-related degradation, so sidewall condition and date-codes on the current set should be examined carefully. The 2023 records add further context. The tester noted the exhaust was very rusty and the rear discs were marked during both the failed and passed tests that year, indicating these were long-standing advisories rather than acute failures. The TPMS warning lamp was also illuminated across both 2023 tests, which may reflect a sensor fault or a persistent pressure issue. A prospective buyer should verify the exhaust system for corrosion-related leaks, particularly at flexi-joints and box sections, and confirm the TPMS system is fully operational. The rear suspension and subframe mounting points deserve attention given the repeated rear brake and tyre wear, as worn bushes or dampers can contribute to uneven braking loads and accelerated tyre degradation.