2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FD16 NDN

The 2016 Volkswagen Polo presents with a current valid MOT certificate, having passed its most recent examination on 27 October 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded by the DVSA. Tracing back through the documented test history, the vehicle has demonstrated an entirely stable and positive maintenance trend, securing passes at successive annual tests on 24 October 2024, 24 October 2023, and 26 October 2022. The single failure noted on 26 October 2022 is recorded without any specific defect details against the test number; in practice, this frequently occurs when a vehicle fails on its initial presentation but is subsequently repaired and retested as a pass on the same day. With no advisories appearing in any of the recent passes, there are no outstanding wear items flagged by the inspector, suggesting the Polo has been kept in sound mechanical order by its current keeper and is unlikely to require immediate remedial work to clear an MOT. With 105,674 miles recorded against a ten-year-old vehicle, the Polo is accumulating mileage at approximately 10,567 miles annually, which sits firmly within the expected range for a car of its age and class. There are no conspicuous gaps in the documented MOT mileage history that would suggest long periods of standing unused, nor any signs of rapid accumulation that might indicate high-intensity use such as motorway commuting or commercial application. This steady, moderate usage pattern is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it avoids both the corrosion and oil-seal drying issues associated with low-mileage storage and the accelerated wear of clutches, brakes, and suspension components that come with very high annual mileage. Prospective buyers should nevertheless verify that the recorded mileage is continuous and supported by service book stamps or digital service records, as any inconsistency could indicate clocking or a missed odometer reading. Given that the Polo is now entering its eleventh year and the DVSA record is notably free of advisories, physical inspection should focus on age-related deterioration that may not yet be severe enough to fail an MOT but is worth monitoring. The tyres warrant close scrutiny for sidewall perishing and cracking, particularly on the inner shoulders where kerbing damage is common; check the DOT date codes to ensure the rubber is not older than six years, and confirm that the tread depth remains well above the legal 1.6mm minimum, ideally at 3mm or above. The braking system should be inspected for corrosion on the disc friction surfaces and any evidence of binding calipers, which can develop from infrequent use or standing. Likewise, the exhaust system, including the flexible joint and rubber mountings, should be examined for surface corrosion and exhaust gas leaks, as ten-year-old underbody components are increasingly vulnerable to winter road salt attack. Beyond the items visible to an MOT tester, a ten-year-old Polo approaching the 106,000-mile mark will benefit from several time-based service items that should be verified independently of the test record. The 12-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its typical five to seven year service life, so its resting voltage and terminal condition merit assessment to avoid future starting issues. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should ideally be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage, as degraded fluid lowers the boiling point and can cause brake fade under heavy use. The timing belt on the 1.0 and 1.2 TSI petrol engines fitted to this generation should be confirmed as replaced in line with Volkswagen's recommended interval, as failure can result in catastrophic engine damage. Finally, a thorough test drive should be conducted paying attention to any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, uneven tyre wear indicating alignment or worn suspension bushes, brake shudder under firm pedal pressure, and any hesitation or misfire from the engine, all of which would warrant further investigation by a competent independent garage before purchase.