2016 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2L Petrol · FN16 UJC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy as of the 2026-04-01 MOT, which passed at 116,878 miles, but the recent history shows a worsening pattern of recurring issues rather than improvement. The same nearside rear tyre defects—worn close to the legal limit and cracked perishing—appeared in both the failed 2026-03-31 test and the passed 2025-03-31 test, indicating ongoing neglect of this component. A persistent central front oil leak, classified as non-excessive but consistent across multiple tests since at least March 2025, suggests a long-standing seal or gasket issue that has not been addressed. Mileage accumulation has been steady, with the vehicle covering 22,348 miles over the last two years (from 94,530 in March 2024 to 116,878 now), averaging around 11,174 miles annually—within expected norms for a ten-year-old car. There are no significant gaps in testing coverage, though the two-day gap between the failed and passed tests in March 2026 (116,878 to 116,878 miles) implies minimal use or very short-term repair attempts before retesting. The most notable jump occurred between March 2024 and March 2025, when 11,381 miles were added, followed by a further 11,967 miles in the subsequent year. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering components, given the repeated central front oil leak, which often originates from a leaking shock absorber or power steering rack seal and may correlate with premature wear in related bushes or mounts. The tyres—particularly the nearside rear—have shown consistent deterioration over three consecutive tests, suggesting either poor alignment, worn suspension geometry, or simply delayed replacement; inspect the tread depth and sidewall condition thoroughly, and check for uneven wear patterns on all four corners. The persistent oil leak should be verified under load or after a short run to assess whether it has worsened since the last test, and any signs of fresh leakage or residue around the front engine bay or subframe should raise concern about potential engine or transmission involvement.