2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · OU16 AEP

The most recent MOT on 2026‑03‑11 at 78,505 miles resulted in a pass after an initial failure that recorded a non‑functional windscreen washer, deteriorated front registration plate, and all four tyres worn close to the legal limit. The preceding test on 2025‑02‑24 at 72,884 miles showed a pass but noted front and rear brake discs worn without excessive thickness loss and a front inner tyre at the wear limit. The pattern of defects indicates a fluctuating maintenance regime: two consecutive years (2021‑2022) produced clean records, yet from 2023 onward recurring tyre and brake wear emerged, suggesting that basic upkeep was intermittently neglected. Mileage progression from the 2019 entry of 24,483 miles to the current 78,505 miles represents an average increase of roughly 7,800 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a ten‑year‑old vehicle. However, the gap between the 2022 test (49,220 miles) and the 2025 test (72,884 miles) spans nearly three years and adds over 23,000 miles, a rate higher than the long‑term average. This accelerated accumulation points to periods of heavier use or extended intervals between servicing, and the sparse data between 2022 and 2025 limits confidence in consistent wear monitoring. A prospective buyer should closely inspect the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition on all four wheels, as repeated wear advisories from 2023, 2025 and 2026 indicate uneven or aggressive tyre usage that may reflect suspension or alignment issues. Brake discs and pads should be examined for thickness and surface condition, given the documented wear at 2025 and 2023. The windscreen washer nozzle and the front registration plate should be tested for full operation and legibility, while the parking brake lever and any suspension bushes should be checked for excessive wear or corrosion. Finally, a thorough under‑body scan for rust is advisable, given the vehicle’s age and the observed plate deterioration, which can be an early indicator of environmental corrosion.