2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Diesel · OO04 LER

A pattern of tyre deterioration and a one-off lighting failure sit at the centre of this Volkswagen Polo's MOT record, with the latest test on 24 September 2025 returning a pass alongside a single advisory relating to the rear bush of the nearside front lower suspension arm. The dominant theme across the seven recorded tests is rear tyre perishing and cracking, which has been flagged in 2020, 2022, and again in 2023 when both rear tyres were noted as cracking across the tread. In 2023 the situation escalated into a dangerous failure, with the offside front inner tyre recorded below the legal 1.6mm tread threshold, demonstrating that tyre condition on this vehicle has been a chronic rather than isolated concern. A separate failure on 28 September 2024 for a non-functioning offside front headlamp dipped beam is an isolated electrical event and does not indicate a broader pattern, but it does confirm that a bulb replacement should be verified during inspection. The intervening tests in 2022 and 2024, both passed without advisories, suggest the underlying mechanical condition remains broadly stable, though the recurring tyre advisories and the new suspension advisory indicate consumable wear that warrants close scrutiny. With 41,507 miles recorded over a ten-year life, this Polo has accumulated roughly 4,150 miles per year, which is markedly below average for a vehicle of this age and type. This lower-than-typical usage means the annual mileage is unlikely to have driven severe mechanical wear on major drivetrain components, but it also means the vehicle may have seen periods of light use or extended standing. The MOT testing history is consistent and uninterrupted on an annual basis, which is a positive indicator for the continuity of the record, though the relatively low mileage does not by itself confirm the mechanical state of less frequently exercised items such as the braking system, brake fluid condition, or the 12V battery. The mileage progression should be verified against the dashboard reading and V5C documentation to ensure no discrepancies exist. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the front suspension, given the advisory recorded at the most recent test for wear to the pin or bush on the nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, as these are typical symptoms of worn lower arm bushes. The driver may also notice imprecise steering or a vague feeling through the wheel if movement has developed. It is worth pushing firmly on each front corner with the vehicle stationary to detect any excess play, and a workshop ramp inspection would be prudent to confirm whether the bush has progressed beyond the advisory stage and whether the opposite arm is showing similar wear. Tyre condition remains the single most important area to verify before purchase, given the repeated advisories and the dangerous tread-depth failure in 2023. Inspect all four tyres carefully for cracking across the tread face and sidewalls, paying close attention to the rear pair which have been flagged in three separate tests, and check the manufacturing date stamps as older tyres can perish regardless of tread depth. The headlamp failure recorded in 2024 should be confirmed as rectified by a thorough walk-around check of all exterior lighting, including main beam, indicators, and fog lamps. Finally, given the low annual mileage, the brake discs and pads should be examined for surface corrosion and any binding calipers, as lightly driven vehicles are prone to uneven brake wear and seized mechanisms, particularly at the rear.