2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LB66 OOV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 18 December 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears stable and improving. While there were recurring advisories between 2021 and 2023 concerning tyre wear and brake pad thickness, these issues seem to have been rectified, as evidenced by the clean certificates from the last two years. The single failure in 2019 was limited to a headlamp aim adjustment, which is a minor rectification and not indicative of systemic mechanical neglect. With a recorded mileage of 37,838 miles over approximately ten years, this vehicle has been used significantly less than the national average, averaging roughly 3,784 miles per year. While this low usage implies minimal wear on the engine internals, gearbox, and clutch, it introduces a different set of mechanical risks associated with prolonged periods of standing. Low-mileage vehicles are often more susceptible to the degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of moisture or corrosion in braking systems and exhaust components. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the tyres, as the MOT history specifically highlights previous issues with sidewall cracking and perishing. Even if the current tread depth is legal, you must inspect the tyre date codes and check for fine cracks in the sidewalls, which indicate rubber degradation from age rather than wear. During the test drive, listen for any unusual humming or vibrations that could suggest flat-spotting from long periods of inactivity. Additionally, check for uneven wear on the front tyres, as previous advisories regarding edge wear may point to a lingering wheel alignment issue. Given the low annual mileage, it is essential to verify that the vehicle has been serviced according to time intervals rather than mileage alone. Review the service history for evidence of regular oil and filter changes to ensure the engine has not suffered from fluid acidification. Physically inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or signs of binding calipers, which can occur when a car is left stationary for extended periods. Finally, test the 12V battery health and check for any signs of perished suspension bushes or leaking shock absorbers, as rubber components often fail due to age-related drying regardless of the miles covered.