2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.8L Petrol · FH16 FFM

The vehicle currently presents as roadworthy, though the maintenance trend indicates an inconsistent approach to preventative care. The most recent test in September 2025 at 64,689 miles resulted in a pass with an advisory for nearside front tyre wearing on the outer edge. This follows a failure in September 2024 for a defective central rear seat belt retracting mechanism, which was rectified promptly. While the vehicle passes its latest inspection, the recurrence of wear issues suggests the owner reacts to MOT failures rather than performing routine inspections. The mileage pattern is somewhat irregular, averaging approximately 6,500 miles per year which is typical for a decade-old Volkswagen Polo. However, there is a significant discrepancy in usage data between September 2022 at 38,165 miles and September 2023 at 79,030 miles, where the vehicle covered over 40,000 miles in a single year. Usage since then dropped sharply, with only 5,158 miles recorded between the 2024 and 2025 tests. This burst of high-intensity mileage likely placed accelerated stress on suspension components and braking systems, while the subsequent drop in usage may lead to flat spotted tyres or seized calipers from sitting. A buyer must inspect the front suspension geometry and alignment, as the outer edge wear on the nearside front tyre noted in 2025 often points to incorrect camber or worn lower control arm bushes. The 2023 record showed both front tyres near the legal wear limit, indicating a history of neglecting consumable replacements until they reached critical levels. Given the high-mileage spike in 2023, a thorough check of the brake discs for thinning and calipers for glazing is essential to ensure the system has not suffered heat damage during that period of heavy use.