2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FD16 MPV

The most recent MOT on 9 April 2026 was passed, but it carried two advisories – the nearside front tyre is approaching the legal tread limit and the off‑side rear tyre shows early cracking. Over the last three years the car has moved from clean passes in 2023 and 2024 to a failure in April 2025 driven by a serious off‑side front suspension bush wear and a detached rear suspension bush, and now to a series of passes with lingering oil‑leak and tyre‑condition advisories. The pattern indicates a modest deterioration in the condition of suspension components and the emergence of a persistent minor oil leak, although the vehicle has remained road‑legal since the failure was rectified. At 71,368 mi the Polo averages roughly 7,100 mi per annum, which is typical for a ten‑year‑old family hatchback. The mileage suggests regular, moderate use rather than prolonged periods of storage, so wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension is likely to be age‑related rather than the result of high‑stress mileage spikes. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would hint at long periods of inactivity, which can sometimes mask hidden corrosion or fluid degradation. Prospective buyers should give the tyre condition immediate attention. The nearside front tyre is close to the legal minimum tread depth and the off‑side rear tyre shows sidewall cracking; both should be measured with a tread depth gauge and inspected for dry rot, especially the sidewalls. Replacement of the front tyre is advisable before the next service, and the rear tyre may need to be swapped if the cracking progresses. The recurring oil leak, although classified as non‑excessive, warrants a visual inspection of the valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing and any visible hoses to confirm the source and ensure the oil level remains within specification; a leak can herald a failing gasket or a cracked oil pan and may lead to low oil pressure under load. The off‑side front suspension bush that was previously deemed excessively worn should be re‑examined for any play in the wheel bearing or clunking when negotiating bumps; uneven tyre wear, a loose steering feel or a knocking noise on a test drive would indicate that the bush has not been fully remedied. Likewise, the detached rear suspension bush should be checked for any rear‑wheel vibration, altered handling or uneven rear tyre wear, and the rear sub‑frame should be inspected for corrosion or loose mounting bolts. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough age‑related inspection is prudent. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test can reveal diminished cranking power that often appears after ten years. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have adequate thickness, as standing periods can cause disc corrosion that leads to pulsation when braking. Examine all fluid reservoirs – coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour change or particulate contamination, and consider a full fluid change if the service history does not show a recent top‑up. Finally, confirm that the headlamp aim is correct after the internal adjuster was altered, and check for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and under‑carriage, which can develop in vehicles that have spent extended periods idle. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the Polo’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.