2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · FV66 ABN

The most recent MOT inspection on 6 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance history indicates a fluctuating trend rather than a strictly improving one. While the vehicle has successfully passed its last few tests, the record shows a significant failure in October 2023 involving multiple major defects related to braking systems, specifically binding service brakes and inoperative parking brakes. Since that failure, the vehicle has moved into a phase of recurring advisories concerning wear and tear on consumables. The presence of multiple advisories in the most recent test suggests that while the car is currently roadworthy, it is entering a period where several mechanical components are approaching the end of their serviceable life. With a recorded mileage of 80,129 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 8,000 miles per year. This is considered typical for a personal commuter vehicle and suggests a consistent usage pattern rather than extreme motorway mileage or excessive short-trip urban driving. From a mechanical standpoint, this level of usage means that components such as suspension bushes, brake discs, and exhaust elements are subject to standard age-related degradation. You should not expect the pristine condition of a low-mileage vehicle that has been standing, but you should also not expect the heavy drivetrain wear associated with high-mileage commercial use. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system and suspension during a test drive. The recent advisories for worn front brake discs, combined with the previous history of binding rear brakes, suggest that the braking components are a recurring area of concern. During your inspection, listen for any grinding noises when applying the brakes or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs. You should also check for any pulling to one side during braking, which might indicate a sticking caliper. Furthermore, the advisory regarding a worn offside front lower suspension arm bush is a significant point of interest; listen for clunking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as a perished bush will fail to dampen movement effectively and can lead to uneven tyre wear and compromised steering precision. The history of tyre advisories and exhaust gas leaks also requires physical verification. Inspect the tread depth and condition of all four tyres, looking specifically for uneven wear on the edges, which could indicate an alignment issue resulting from the aforementioned suspension wear. Examine the exhaust system for any audible hissing or a deeper, more resonant engine note that might indicate the previously noted minor leak at the flexi-joint has worsened. Given the vehicle's age, even with typical mileage, you should also inspect the rubber components for signs of perishing or cracking and verify that the service history supports regular fluid changes, as brake fluid and coolant degrade over time regardless of the distance driven.