2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FP16 OUS

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a persistent trend of neglected rear brake components. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 38,690 miles passed, it carried a recurring advisory for rear brake discs being pitted and scored. This follows an identical advisory from October 2024 at 37,059 miles, indicating that the previous owners have deferred necessary replacements despite multiple years of warnings. The mileage profile is notably low for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,870 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns with intervals of roughly 3,000 to 3,100 miles between the annual tests from 2021 to 2025. However, low annual mileage often correlates with the mechanical issues seen in the 2023 test at 33,902 miles, where brake pads were flagged as being dangerously thin. Lack of frequent use can lead to the surface corrosion and pitting observed on the disc surfaces. A buyer must perform a thorough physical inspection of the rear braking system. The recurring reports of pitted discs and thin pads suggest the brake calipers may be seizing or failing to retract fully, which accelerates uneven wear and surface rust formation. You should check for leaks in the hydraulic seals and verify the remaining thickness of the pad material. Given the low mileage and long age, also inspect the rubber suspension bushes and tyre hoses for cracking or degradation, which often occurs when vehicles sit stationary for extended periods.