2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · AO16 JWN

Recurring issues with the nearside front outer drive shaft constant velocity boot and a history of tyre degradation define the mechanical profile of this Volkswagen Polo. While the most recent test on 25 February 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, the vehicle has shown a pattern of deterioration in rubber components, specifically with the CV boot being flagged as severely deteriorated in both 2024 and 2025. This indicates a recurring vulnerability in the drivetrain's protective components. Additionally, the 2023 failure involving the supplementary restraint system warning lamp and the horn suggests that electrical and safety system faults have been present in the past, though these were resolved for the subsequent tests. The vehicle has covered 60,222 miles over its ten-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual accumulation of approximately 6,022 miles. This usage pattern is relatively low for a vehicle of this age, which often correlates with shorter, more frequent journeys rather than sustained motorway driving. Mechanically, this level of mileage means that while the engine and drivetrain may have lower cumulative wear, components such as tyres, suspension bushes, and rubber seals are more susceptible to age-related perishing and cracking rather than tread wear. The MOT history confirms this, with multiple advisories regarding cracked and perishing tyres appearing in 2022 and 2025. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the drivetrain and steering during a test drive to ensure the previous CV boot issues have been fully rectified. Listen for any rhythmic clicking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel to full lock, which can indicate that grease has escaped the joint or that the joint itself has suffered damage. Furthermore, given the repeated advisories regarding tyre condition, a physical inspection of all four tyres is essential to check for sidewall cracking or perishing, even if the tread depth appears sufficient. The history of windscreen chips and the previous failure of the horn and SRS lamp indicates that secondary electrical and glass components have required attention. During the inspection, verify that the airbag warning light extinguishes as normal after the engine is started and that the horn operates consistently. While the most recent record is clean, the tendency for rubber components to perish suggests that a thorough check of all suspension boots, steering linkages, and coolant hoses should be conducted to ensure no further age-related degradation is currently underway.