2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · GC16 VDR
2016 Volkswagen Polo (1.0L, petrol). First registered 28 Jul 2016. Recorded mileage 41,838 miles. MOT valid until 28 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2016 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 41,838 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
GC16 VDR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 26/01/2026
- 41,838 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GC16 VDR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2016 Volkswagen Polo (GC16 VDR) between January 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 26 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”.
GC16 VDR Mileage History
- 23/01/202333,142 mi
- 23/01/202333,142 mi
- 29/01/202435,873 mi+2,731 mi
- 24/01/202538,825 mi+2,952 mi
- 26/01/202641,838 mi+3,013 mi
Average of roughly 2,890 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and budget for imme
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside and sills. The 2026 MOT recorded a deformation to the offside front integral body structure on the sill; you must verify if this is merely cosmetic or impacts the vehicle's integrity. Additionally, the suspension arm bushes have been flagged as worn in both 2025 and 2026, suggesting a recurring maintenance requirement for this component.
When negotiating, use the recurring suspension issues and the bodywork deformation to your advantage. Request a detailed service history to see if the suspension work noted in the MOTs was actually carried out or merely monitored. Check the condition of the registration plates, as both front and rear plates have been flagged for being insecure or deteriorated in recent years.
The 999cc petrol engine is typically found in a lower insurance group and tax band, making it economical for urban driving. Fuel economy for this engine size is generally efficient, though actual MPG will depend on driving style and maintenance.
Maintenance costs for a Polo are standard for the segment, but you should budget for upcoming suspension repairs given the recent MOT advisories. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, fall within a moderate range for a small petrol hatchback.
Focus heavily on the suspension and chassis. The MOT history specifically highlights worn front lower suspension arm pins/bushes and splitting TCA rear bushes in both 2025 and 2026. A test drive is essential to check for knocks or uneven handling that might indicate these bushes need replacement.
Secondly, inspect the offside front sill area mentioned in the 2026 MOT. Look for signs of previous heavy impact or corrosion that could have caused the recorded deformation. Finally, check the braking system; while the 2023 failure for thin pads and pitted discs was passed, ensure the current braking performance is smooth and free of vibration.
This 2016 blue Volkswagen Polo 999cc petrol has covered 41,838 miles, which is significantly lower than the model average of approximately 6,004 miles per year. However, the MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring suspension wear and a recent advisory regarding a deformed offside front integral body structure (sill). The vehicle has passed its last two tests, but the presence of these specific defects requires careful inspection.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 77.3% average MOT pass rate, with common failure points including tyres, engine management, and ball joints.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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