2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · F7 CBF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 15 April 2025, was passed with no recorded defects. Over the last three years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern – a pass in 2023 followed by a recorded failure on the same day, a pass in 2024 and again a failure on that date, and then a clean pass in 2025. The absence of any specific fault codes suggests that any issues identified in the failed tests were remedied promptly, leaving the car in a road‑worthy state at the time of the latest inspection. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stable, with the owner appearing to address problems before they become recurring. At ten years old the Polo has logged 78,905 miles, which averages just under 8,000 miles per annum. This is broadly in line with typical private‑use patterns and does not indicate excessive wear. There are no obvious large mileage gaps that would imply long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and engine oil should be consistent with the recorded distance rather than with prolonged storage. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the condition of the tyres. Even if the tread depth is acceptable, sidewalls can deteriorate with age, especially if the vehicle has spent time standing; look for cracking, hardening or bulging that could lead to a sudden loss of pressure. Check the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and verify that it holds charge, as batteries over ten years old often suffer from sulphation and reduced capacity. Examine the brake system for any signs of uneven pad wear, disc rust or glazing; listen for any shudder or pulsation when applying the brakes and ensure the handbrake holds firmly without excessive travel. Finally, assess the suspension and steering components for play or clunking, particularly the front lower control arm bushes, ball joints and tie‑rod ends, which can develop fatigue after several hundred thousand kilometres. Inspect the exhaust system for rust or cracks, and confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and replacement of time‑sensitive fluids such as coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil. A thorough visual check of the engine bay for any oil or coolant leaks, as well as a test‑drive to listen for abnormal noises from the drivetrain, will give you confidence that the Polo remains mechanically sound for its age and mileage.