2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.8L Petrol · JO12 SAR

The vehicle's current roadworthiness is precarious, as the most recent MOT history shows a pattern of worsening mechanical issues. Although it passed on 2 July 2026 at 72,187 miles, the tester flagged an exhaust gas leak in two places and noted fluctuating nearside front service brakes. These issues were present during the failure on 1 July 2026, where the vehicle also failed due to a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber and an offside front tyre worn to the legal limit. This indicates that while the car is technically passing, it is entering a period of increased component degradation. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a typical ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,200 miles per year. The data shows steady progression from 25,212 miles in May 2019 to the current 72,187 miles in July 2026. There are no significant gaps in usage that would suggest long periods of inactivity, which generally helps prevent seized components. However, the recent jump from 66,117 miles in July 2025 to 72,187 miles in July 2026 shows a standard annual interval of roughly 6,000 miles. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the suspension and braking systems during a physical inspection. The record shows a recurring trend of shock absorber issues, moving from light oil misting on the offside front in July 2025 to a serious leak on the nearside rear in July 2026. This suggests the suspension components are reaching the end of their serviceable life. The fluctuating nearside front brake and the previous advisories regarding worn and pitted brake discs in September 2022 mean the braking hardware requires a thorough check for uneven wear or binding. Tyre maintenance also appears inconsistent. The vehicle has faced multiple failures and advisories regarding tread depth and edge wear, specifically in 2020, 2022, 2025, and 2026. This pattern suggests the previous owner occasionally neglected basic consumable upkeep. Beyond the tyres, the recent exhaust leak should be investigated to ensure the fault is limited to a minor leak and not indicative of deeper structural corrosion or manifold issues.