2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FP66 BXE

The defining mechanical story for this Volkswagen Polo centres on a rear axle that has repeatedly demanded attention. Across the eight recorded MOT tests, the nearside rear tyre has been flagged at the legal wear limit or showing edge wear on five separate occasions, and on 2023-03-22 the offside rear tyre was considered dangerous with tread depth below the 1.6mm requirement. The 2026-03-21 test, the most recent, passed with three tyre-related advisories covering front and rear edge wear and rear sidewall perishing, alongside a windscreen chip and smearing front wiper blades. Earlier in the record, a major failure for front inner suspension arm pin or bush wear on both sides in March 2023 shows the front end was not immune either, and the 2025 test recorded worn front brake discs and a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. Taken together, the recent trend is one of consistent passes but with advisories continuing to cluster around tyres, braking components and suspension wear. Against a ten-year age, the recorded 95,235 miles equates to roughly 9,500 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this vintage. The mileage progression between tests is steady, with no unusual gaps, abrupt jumps or extended periods off the road that would suggest a long lay-up. Continuous annual testing from 2020 onwards indicates regular use rather than seasonal or intermittent driving. Mechanically, this level of accumulated mileage on a Polo is consistent with consumable wear beginning to surface on suspension joints, brake components and tyres, but it does not place the vehicle in a category of extreme use. The combination of typical mileage and recurring component advisories points to standard wear rather than any unusual stress on the drivetrain. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas are the front suspension and the rear tyres. The 2023 failure for both front inner wishbone pins or bushes means the replacement components fitted at that time should be checked for any renewed play. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, rough tarmac and during full-lock manoeuvres, as these are typical symptoms of worn wishbone pins or bushes returning. Also evaluate the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover noted in 2025; perished covers allow contamination into the joint, so feel for any vagueness or rattle through the steering over undulating roads. A hoist inspection for any fresh play in the front arms would be prudent. The braking system and tyres warrant equal scrutiny. The 2025 advisory for pitted and scored front brake discs suggests corrosion or wear has developed, so on test drive expect to feel any judder through the brake pedal under firm stopping from higher speeds, and listen for any grinding or scraping that might indicate pads have worn against the corroded surfaces. Inspect the rear tyres carefully for both uneven inner or outer edge wear, which has been the dominant pattern across the record, and any cracking or perishing of the sidewalls as flagged on multiple occasions. Because the nearside rear in particular has been at the legal limit repeatedly, a wheel alignment check is advisable to identify whether tracking geometry is causing the consistent edge wear pattern. Finally, replace the smearing front wiper blades and address the windscreen chip if it sits within the driver's line of sight, as both were still outstanding at the most recent test.