2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · CF16 HTN

The 2016 Volkswagen Polo presents a stable but mechanically tired roadworthiness profile as of its most recent MOT on 8 August 2025 at 42,341 miles. The vehicle passed that test, yet the same front suspension arm rear bush wear on both sides has appeared consistently since at least August 2023, indicating a chronic issue that has persisted across multiple annual tests without permanent rectification. The offside front top mount stiffness, flagged in both 2024 tests and again in 2025, further confirms the front end has seen sustained neglect. Brake wear was addressed between the 2023 failure and the 2024 pass, suggesting at least one reactive repair cycle, but the underlying suspension faults remain unresolved. The recorded mileage of 42,341 miles over roughly ten years equates to approximately 4,234 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. The progression from 31,061 miles in August 2023 to 36,718 miles in August 2024 shows a jump of 5,657 miles in a single year, followed by a further increase to 42,341 miles by August 2025, representing 5,623 miles in the most recent twelve-month period. This suggests the car transitioned from a period of very light use to more regular driving. The MOT record itself is clean and consistent, with no gaps in annual testing, which is a positive indicator of regulatory compliance. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry. The repeated advisories for worn front suspension arm rear bushes on both nearside and offside, present across three consecutive years, point to either cheap replacement parts or a failure to address the root cause. Worn bushes at this age and mileage are unusual and may indicate aggressive driving, poor replacement work, or long-term storage causing rubber perishing. The offside top mount stiffness warrants close examination, as a failing mount can transmit steering kickback and accelerate bush wear. Inspect the subframe and suspension mounting points for corrosion or cracking, particularly if the vehicle has spent periods stationary. The braking system requires attention to the nearside rear caliper and disc condition. In August 2023 at 31,061 miles, the nearside rear brake disc was flagged as seriously weakened alongside worn rear pads on both sides, and brake performance could not be tested. Although the vehicle passed in 2024 and 2025, a binding rear caliper or seized slider pins could have caused the original disc damage and may still be present. A road test should check for uneven braking pull, a dragging handbrake, or excessive heat buildup at the nearside rear wheel after a short drive. Tyre fitting was also flagged in the 2024 failure, so verify that the current tyres are correctly oriented and of matching specification.