2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · BV66 OBS

A consistent pattern of suspension and brake wear emerges across the MOT history of this 2016 Volkswagen Polo, with the most recent test on 24 September 2025 passing only after addressing a major headlamp levelling device defect flagged earlier the same day. Suspension arm pin or bush wear has been flagged at both front inner locations in three consecutive tests (2024 and 2025), and a nearside front anti-roll bar linkage bush was noted in 2023, indicating a progressive deterioration of the front suspension components rather than isolated incidents. The braking system has also shown recurring concerns, beginning with rear brake pad wear and pitted rear discs in 2021, escalating to a dangerous failure for rear brake pads below 1.5 mm in 2022, and culminating in a leaking offside rear hydraulic brake calliper alongside an excessively worn offside front suspension ball joint failure in 2024. The current pass advisory for a nearside rear shock absorber showing light oil misting adds further evidence of ongoing mechanical ageing, alongside a general oil leak advisory which warrants identification of its source. With 53,291 miles recorded over ten years, the Polo has covered approximately 5,329 miles annually, a notably low accumulation rate that suggests extended periods of light use or intermittent operation. This is consistent with the MOT cadence, which shows annual testing without any multi-year gaps, confirming the vehicle has not been laid up off the road. Low mileage of this nature typically reduces wear on high-cycle components such as the clutch, drivetrain and engine internals, but it can accelerate degradation of rubber and sealing components, including the brake calliper seals, drive shaft CV boots (already flagged as severely deteriorated in 2022), suspension bushes, and shock absorber seals that rely on regular movement to remain supple. The oil leak advisory and shock absorber misting both align with this pattern of age-related seal degradation in a vehicle that has seen limited but consistent use. A prospective buyer should focus the pre-purchase inspection on the suspension and braking components specifically flagged in the record, starting with a thorough examination of all front suspension arm pins, bushes, and ball joints for any play or movement beyond manufacturer tolerance, particularly at the offside front where the ball joint was previously failed. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness or looseness through the steering that could indicate worn linkages. The brakes should be tested for pulling to one side, suggesting the offside rear calliper may still be binding or seizing, and the pedal should be assessed for a firm, consistent feel without sponginess or excessive travel. The rear shock absorbers warrant a visual inspection from underneath the vehicle for any worsening of the oil misting noted on the nearside, as oil-covered shock bodies typically indicate failing internal seals that will compromise damping performance. The general oil leak should be traced to its origin, whether from the engine sump, valve cover gasket, or another joint, as an unresolved leak can lead to component damage or low oil level warnings. Front inner tyres should be checked for uneven shoulder wear consistent with the camber issues sometimes associated with worn suspension bushes, and the nearside rear tyre inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing given its repeated advisory history. Finally, the headlamp levelling device should be operated manually from the driver's seat to confirm full functionality, as the failure of this system in 2025 represented the only major defect preventing the test from passing outright on that occasion.