2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · CE66 DYP

The most recent MOT test on 18 May 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, although it is notable that an earlier test on the same day issued a failure due to a leaking nearside rear hydraulic brake caliper and consequent inability to test brake performance. The vehicle has subsequently passed on the same day under retest conditions, suggesting the caliper issue was rectified prior to retest. However, looking at the broader pattern across recent years, the maintenance trend is mixed and warrants attention. There have been repeated brake-related advisories and a dangerous defect for excessively worn front brake pads in 2023, recurring front coil spring corrosion advisories in 2025, and persistent tyre wear advisories across multiple tests. The presence of a dangerous failure, two major defects in 2025, and another major in 2026 suggests that while the vehicle is presently roadworthy, it has experienced several significant wear items in a relatively short timeframe, indicating that consumables and certain suspension elements are reaching the end of their service life. With 89,856 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle is averaging around 8,986 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and segment. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent and incremental, without any obvious gaps that would suggest long periods of standing unused or sudden mileage spikes that could indicate clock discrepancies. For a petrol Polo of this vintage and mileage, this level of use generally implies that major drivetrain components such as the engine and gearbox have been regularly worked, which is beneficial for mechanical health, but it also means that high-wear items including clutches, suspension components, brake discs, and exhaust systems will have accumulated substantial real-world wear. The most concerning recurring themes in the MOT history relate to the braking system, suspension bushes, and constant velocity boots, all of which demand careful physical inspection prior to purchase. The 2026 caliper leak should be verified as fully resolved, with the repair documentation reviewed and a thorough check carried out for any residual hydraulic fluid staining on the rear caliper, uneven brake pad wear indicative of binding, and brake shudder or pull under heavy braking on a test drive. Given the 2023 dangerous front brake pad finding and recurring brake disc and pad advisories in 2022 and 2023, the prospective buyer should confirm the current condition and thickness of all brake pads and discs, listen for any grinding or squealing, and inspect for any pulsing through the brake pedal. The 2025 advisories for corroded front coil springs, combined with the 2023 advisory for a worn lower arm rear bush, mean the front suspension should be examined closely for knocking or clonking over speed humps and uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner and outer edges which can indicate geometry misalignment or worn bushes. The 2024 and 2025 CV boot issues also warrant inspection of both drive shaft boots for splits and grease loss, with particular attention to any clicking or knocking from the front wheels during full-lock manoeuvres on the test drive. Beyond the recorded defects, given the vehicle's age of ten years, several age-related items merit inspection regardless of the MOT record. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking and perishing due to UV exposure, particularly as rear tyre perishing was noted in 2025, and the tread depth verified as the front tyres have been repeatedly flagged as worn close to the legal limit. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, as batteries beyond five years of age frequently struggle, particularly in vehicles with start-stop systems. Brake discs should be checked for any corrosion or pitting, especially given the vehicle's history of disc wear advisories, and the handbrake mechanism inspected for seizure from infrequent use. Coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid should be assessed for their age and condition, as these degrade on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage. Finally, the underbody and suspension components should be examined for surface corrosion consistent with ten years of UK road use, and a clear service history with regular cambelt or timing chain verification, along with recent brake fluid and coolant renewals, would provide valuable reassurance of ongoing mechanical upkeep.