2007 Volkswagen FOX 1.2L Petrol · WF07 RKA

The most recent MOT on 28 April 2026 was a pass, but it was accompanied by a suite of advisories covering rear‑axle corrosion, slight play in the inner steering arm, extensive exhaust corrosion and a loose heat‑shield. The preceding test on 24 April 2026 was a failure that highlighted a dangerously worn off‑side front anti‑roll‑bar ball joint, an excessively worn near‑side front suspension arm bush, and an insecure near‑side anti‑roll‑bar linkage that compromised directional stability. Earlier in 2025 the vehicle also failed with dangerous tyre damage, a binding rear service brake and a split CV‑joint boot. Although the latest result shows the car now meets the minimum legal standards, the pattern over the last three years is one of deteriorating condition with several major safety items emerging and only partial remediation evident in the most recent pass. Mileage has not been disclosed, making it impossible to benchmark the car’s usage against its 19‑year age. In the absence of recorded kilometres, a prospective buyer should assume that a vehicle of this vintage is likely to have accumulated a substantial total‑kilometre count unless it has been kept as a low‑mileage, occasional‑use car. High kilometre accumulation would exacerbate wear on the suspension bushes, ball joints and CV joints already flagged, while very low mileage could mask age‑related degradation such as rubber hardening, tyre perishing and battery sulphation. Without mileage data the buyer must rely heavily on physical inspection and service records to gauge the true wear level. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front anti‑roll‑bar assembly and the associated ball joints; any clunk or looseness when applying steering inputs or driving over bumps may indicate the previously noted excessive wear. The near‑side front suspension arm bush should be checked for play by pushing the wheel forward and backward; a noticeable movement suggests the bush is still beyond service limits. Examine the rear axle for surface rust that could be structural, and verify that the heat‑shield and exhaust pipes are securely fastened and free of perforations that could cause excess noise or fumes. The steering arm inner joint should be inspected for any play, and the brake system tested for even pedal feel and any pulling to one side, which would reveal lingering binding in the rear service brake. Finally, a thorough tyre inspection is essential – look for sidewall cracks, tread depth below 1.6 mm, and any signs of separation, especially on the off‑side front tyre that previously failed. Given the vehicle’s age, even if the mileage is modest, the buyer should also check the condition of time‑sensitive components: the 12 V battery for voltage drop and electrolyte level, the condition of rubber hoses and seals for cracking, and the state of the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid for signs of contamination or old service intervals. Verify that any repairs undertaken after the 2025 and 2026 failures are documented, and confirm that corrosion‑prone areas such as the rear axle, exhaust casings and under‑body panels have been treated or are protected. A test drive should be conducted with the engine at idle and under load, listening for any rattles from the anti‑roll bars, clunks from the suspension, or shudder from the brakes, all of which would indicate that the underlying defects have not been fully rectified and could require further investment.