2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · KD16 URX

The most recent MOT recorded on 5 August 2026 resulted in a failure of the front braking system – the pads were measured at less than 1.5 mm, the discs were reported as worn, pitted or scored and the brake performance could not be verified. Although an advisory entry also appears on the same date, the dangerous condition of the front pads overrides any pass status and places the vehicle in a non‑road‑worthy position until the brakes are rectified. Over the preceding twelve months the car has shown a mixed picture: a clean MOT in July 2025 apart from advisory wear on the front discs and rear tyres, a major suspension arm bush failure in August 2023 and a serious exhaust emissions failure in April 2022. The recent brake failure therefore marks a clear deterioration after a period of relatively stable, albeit advisory‑laden, results. With 54 801 miles logged on a 2016 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5 500 mi, well below the typical UK average of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension joints. The modest mileage does not, however, guarantee component longevity; the front brake pads have thinned despite the low use, suggesting either aggressive driving, frequent short trips that prevent proper pad bedding, or simply the natural wear pattern of a ten‑year‑old system. A prospective buyer should treat the front braking system as an immediate priority. Inspect the pads for thickness – any measurement under 2 mm is a clear sign they will need replacement – and examine the discs for scoring, rust spots or uneven wear that could cause vibration when braking. On a test drive listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel a spongy pedal, both of which indicate pad wear or a failing caliper. The rear tyres, flagged for cracking and cuts in 2025, must be examined for sidewall perishing, tread depth below 3 mm, and any bulges that could lead to a sudden failure. The off‑side lower suspension arm bush, recorded as excessively worn in 2023, should be checked for play or clunking when the wheel is rocked; any looseness may require bush replacement or a full arm rebuild. Finally, given the 2022 emissions failure, a diagnostic scan of the lambda sensor, catalytic converter and exhaust manifold is advisable to confirm that the engine now meets legal limits and to rule out hidden injector or ECU faults. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age and low‑usage profile demand a thorough age‑related inspection. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery – a load test will reveal whether sulphation has reduced its capacity – and check for corrosion on terminals. Examine all fluid reservoirs for colour and level; engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid should be replaced on a calendar basis even if mileage is low, as degradation can occur over time. Look for rust on wheel arches, under‑body panels and suspension mounting points, especially if the vehicle has spent time stationary in damp conditions. A complete service history, with stamps for timing‑belt or chain, spark plug changes and major service intervals, will give confidence that routine maintenance has kept the Polo’s mechanical components within their intended service windows.