2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · EY66 BZT

The 2016 Volkswagen Polo presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 24 September 2025 at 53,241 miles, passed but flagged four advisories, indicating a worsening trend compared to the clean bill of health recorded in 2024. The tester identified both front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, suggesting alignment or suspension geometry issues are accelerating wear. A worn nearside front suspension arm pin or bush, combined with a shock absorber showing reduced damping effect, points to deteriorating front-end components that will require attention soon. The mileage pattern reveals a notable gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests. The vehicle covered just 3,292 miles in that twelve-month period, a significant drop from the 5,995 miles recorded between 2023 and 2024. This low annual accumulation, roughly 5,324 miles per year over its ten-year life, suggests light use or extended periods of standing. The sparse but consistent annual MOT record, with tests clustered each September, indicates regular but minimal use rather than neglect. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and damping components. The recurring shock absorber advisories, from a light misting of oil in 2021 to reduced damping effect in 2025, suggest the nearside front damper is degrading progressively. The worn suspension arm bush flagged in the latest test may be contributing to the uneven tyre wear also noted. Front brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in 2023, with pads at the legal limit, so the condition of the braking system should be verified. Given the low mileage and age, check for corrosion on the underside, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake lines, as vehicles standing for extended periods can develop surface corrosion that undermines structural integrity despite low wear.