2016 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · OL58 HAR

The Volkswagen Polo’s most recent MOT, conducted just two months ago on 11 May 2026 at 62,355 miles, confirms it passed without defects—a positive sign given the vehicle’s age. However, the preceding tests reveal a concerning pattern of recurring suspension and brake issues, particularly in the rear coil springs and front suspension components. The May 2025 failure was severe, with both rear springs corroded and the offside front spring fractured, alongside split lower suspension arm bushes. While the vehicle was retested and passed in May 2025 with the same spring corrosion noted, the absence of further failures suggests these issues were addressed, though the risk of recurrence remains. The front suspension bushes, repeatedly flagged as worn or split, indicate a structural weakness that could compromise ride quality and handling over time. The recorded mileage of 62,355 miles over 11 years—roughly 5,669 miles annually—sits at the lower end of typical usage for this model age, suggesting either light daily use or prolonged periods of disuse. The largest gap between tests spans 14 months, from May 2024 to May 2025, during which the vehicle accumulated just 6,413 miles. While this could imply sporadic driving, it also raises questions about whether maintenance was deferred during inactive periods. The front tyres, noted as worn close to legal limits in May 2023, imply a lack of proactive replacement, a trend that may extend to other consumables. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear coil springs for corrosion or fatigue, particularly given their repeated failures in the MOT history. The front suspension bushes, especially the lower arm pins, warrant immediate attention—they were described as "split" in May 2025 and "worn" in prior tests, indicating a progressive failure risk. Brake discs show consistent wear across all four corners, with the front pair pitted in multiple tests; while not currently failing, this suggests uneven pad contact or inadequate cooling. Structural corrosion should also be checked beyond the MOT’s scope, as the rear springs’ failure hints at potential rust propagation in other suspension or underbody components. Given the vehicle’s age and the suspension’s troubled history, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to verify whether these issues have been properly resolved.