2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LL16 USM

A pattern of recurring brake and tyre wear advisories characterizes this vehicle's recent MOT history, though the most recent test on 18 September 2025 shows no recorded defects. While the 2025 result is clean, the 2024 inspection flagged both nearside and offside front brake discs as being worn, pitted, or scored, alongside advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges. This indicates that while the vehicle is currently passing, there is a documented history of consumable component degradation that requires monitoring to ensure it does not progress into a failure. The recorded mileage of 33,575 miles against a 2016 registration indicates a low annual usage rate of approximately 3,358 miles per year. This level of mileage is significantly below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, such low annual accumulation can sometimes lead to components like brake discs developing surface corrosion or pitting due to infrequent use, which aligns with the pitting and scoring noted in the 2024 advisory. It also means that while major drivetrain wear may be minimal, rubber components and tyres may be subject to age-related degradation rather than tread-depth depletion from high mileage. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system during a test drive to ensure the issues noted in 2024 have been addressed. Listen for any rhythmic clicking or grinding noises from the front end when braking, and feel for any pedal judder or vibration through the footwell, which can indicate warped or unevenly worn discs. Given the previous advisories regarding both front and rear brake pads wearing thin in 2020, it is important to verify the remaining thickness of the pads and the condition of the calipers to ensure they are not binding or causing uneven wear. Regarding the tyres, the 2024 advisory for edge wear suggests a need to inspect the current tread profile and sidewall condition. On a test drive, check for any pulling to one side under braking or during straight-line driving, which could indicate alignment issues that contributed to the uneven edge wear. Additionally, because the vehicle has covered low mileage over a ten-year period, the physical condition and age of the rubber should be inspected for any signs of cracking or perishing, regardless of the remaining tread depth.