2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · AW11 ABW

The most recent DVSA test dated 2026-08-07 resulted in a fail on the offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, which was recorded as excessively worn, alongside an advisory noting a coolant leak. A pass was issued on the same date, indicating that the suspension repair was carried out and the vehicle subsequently met roadworthiness standards, though the coolant leak advisory remains live. Looking back across the recorded history, the 2024 test surfaced advisories for both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes showing wear without excessive movement, and by 2026 one of these had deteriorated to a major failure category. This represents a clear worsening trend on the front suspension geometry, and a prospective buyer should treat the suspension as the primary mechanical concern. The presence of a coolant leak advisory carried over into the latest test also warrants attention, as coolant loss left unresolved can lead to overheating and consequential engine damage. The recorded mileage of 115,526 miles over approximately ten years equates to an annual average of around 11,553 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates consistent rather than erratic use. There are no large unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage, nor any evidence of rapid accumulation that would suggest long-distance motorway work or commercial-style use, both of which can accelerate wear on certain components. Consistent annual mileage of this nature generally means that consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and the clutch have been exercised regularly, which is usually preferable to a low-mileage example that may have suffered from extended standing periods. However, at this odometer reading, age-related wear on internal drivetrain and engine ancillary components should still be considered alongside the mileage figure. Given the recurring front suspension advisories culminating in a major failure, a thorough inspection of the front suspension assembly is essential before purchase. The buyer should check both front lower suspension arms, their bushes, and the related anti-roll bar drop links and bushes for any perishing, cracking, or splitting in the rubber, as well as for play in the ball joints. On a test drive, listen for clonks, knocks, or creaks transmitted through the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and pay attention to whether the steering feels vague, wanders, or transmits vibrations, all of which could indicate that the recent repair has not fully resolved the underlying wear. It would also be prudent to confirm exactly what work was carried out to rectify the failure and whether both sides were attended to, as the 2024 advisories indicated wear on both the nearside and offside, yet only the offside was flagged as excessive by 2026. The persistent coolant leak advisory requires investigation irrespective of whether the vehicle has recently passed its MOT, as advisories are not failure items and the leak may still be present. A buyer should inspect beneath the vehicle for any signs of green, pink, or orange residue around hoses, the radiator, water pump, and thermostat housing, and check the coolant reservoir level and condition, looking for discoloration or contamination that could indicate a head gasket concern. Beyond the recorded defects, a ten-year-old Polo with this mileage should also be examined for age-related deterioration including tyre sidewall perishing and cracking, brake disc surface corrosion or lipping from regular use, condition of the 12V battery which may be approaching the end of its service life, and the state of brake fluid and coolant which degrade over time regardless of mileage. Verifying a complete service history with documented timing belt or chain replacement intervals, along with recent brake fluid and coolant changes, will help establish whether the vehicle has been maintained to a calendar-based as well as mileage-based schedule.