2016 VOLKSWAGEN POLO1.2L Petrol

The vehicle presents a concerning trend regarding the braking system, moving from minor advisories to a formal failure. While the most recent test on 23 September 2025 at 68,304 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed earlier that same day due to an excessively binding rear service brake and insufficient washer fluid. This follows a pattern established in the 20 September 2024 test at 64,130 miles, where the tester noted that both rear service brakes were binding and the braking system required adjustment or repair. The transition from "not excessively" binding in 2024 to an actual failure in 2025 suggests a worsening condition in the rear brake components rather than a resolved issue. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a typical low-to-mid-range usage pattern for a ten-year-old vehicle. The car has covered 68,304 miles, averaging approximately 6,830 miles per year. The records show steady progression from 35,797 miles in September 2019 to 68,304 miles in September 2025, indicating regular use rather than long periods of inactivity. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing history, which provides a reliable chronological dataset for evaluating wear. A prospective buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the braking system and rear calipers. The recurring issues with binding rear brakes since 2024 indicate that the previous owner may have neglected deep mechanical repairs in favour of passing MOT tests with minor adjustments. You should check for uneven pad wear and inspect the rear brake discs for heat discoloration or scoring caused by the binding condition. The 2020 test also flagged misting shock absorbers and worn discs, so the suspension and braking hardware should be thoroughly vetted to ensure the 2025 pass was achieved through genuine repair rather than a temporary fix. The presence of engine covers and under shields restricting component visibility in both 2023 and 2024 tests suggests that certain mechanical inspections may have been superficial. Ensure that any recent work on the braking system or suspension has been documented with receipts, as the MOT history alone indicates a tendency for consumable components like brake discs and pads to wear down without proactive replacement.