2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · CE16 WSZ

The 2016 Volkswagen Polo presents a stable and improving mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 16 January 2026 at 60,923 miles, where it passed with zero defects. This clean sheet follows a clear pattern of resolving rear brake issues that had persisted across multiple prior tests. The maintenance trend is therefore positive, with the previous owner evidently addressing recurring brake disc wear rather than ignoring it. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a ten-year-old car. Between the July 2023 test at 53,707 miles and the January 2026 test at 60,923 miles, the car covered approximately 7,216 miles over two and a half years, averaging just under 3,000 miles annually in that window. Earlier years show slightly higher use, with around 3,600 miles added between July 2023 and July 2024. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record, and the overall average of roughly 6,100 miles per year sits comfortably within normal expectations for a small hatchback of this age. The most persistent theme in the MOT history is rear brake disc wear. From July 2023 through the failed test on 1 July 2025, both rear brake discs were repeatedly flagged as worn, pitted, or scored. The July 2025 failure also noted a fluctuating nearside rear service brake, suggesting a sticking caliper or uneven pad transfer was developing at that time. The subsequent clean pass in January 2026 indicates the discs and likely the calipers have since been replaced or overhauled. A buyer should still physically inspect the rear braking system for any residual drag, uneven pad wear, or corrosion on sliding pins, as these components can deteriorate quickly if not properly bedded in after replacement. Beyond the brakes, the headlamp aim defects flagged in the July 2025 failure were minor and have since been corrected. With no structural corrosion, suspension, or exhaust advisories appearing across the full test history, the Polo's mechanical record is reassuring. A prospective buyer should still carry out a thorough underbody inspection for rust, check the condition of all four tyres for uneven wear, and verify that the headlamp levelling system functions correctly, particularly if the car has been used for heavy loads or towing.