2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · RF66 LLC

The latest MOT test for the 2016 Volkswagen Polo, conducted on 2025-09-11, resulted in a passing outcome with no recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround from its prior failures. However, the vehicle’s history reveals a pattern of recurring issues, particularly in suspension components and tyre condition, which have persisted across multiple MOTs. While the most recent test is clean, the earlier failures—including major defects on suspension arms in 2023 and a failed windscreen washer in 2025—suggest that the vehicle has faced significant wear and potential neglect in certain areas. The presence of advisories such as brake binding and tyre wear close to legal limits indicates ongoing or unresolved mechanical concerns that warrant careful attention during inspection. The recorded mileage of 66,852 miles for a ten-year-old Polo represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,685 miles per year, which is within the expected range for this age and model. This mileage level does not suggest either extreme light use or excessive wear from high mileage, but it does imply that the vehicle has been driven regularly over the years. The absence of substantial mileage gaps could mean the car has been in consistent service, potentially leading to more predictable wear patterns on consumables like brakes, tyres, and fluids. However, the combination of moderate mileage with recurring suspension and tyre defects may indicate underlying structural or component fatigue that has not yet progressed to critical failure. Given the vehicle’s history of MOT advisories and failures, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough mechanical inspection to address the known issues. First, the suspension arms, which failed major inspection in 2023, require close examination for signs of further wear or failure, such as excessive play in the steering wheel during cornering, uneven tyre wear suggesting camber or alignment issues, or clunking noises from the front suspension when driving over bumps. Listen for any persistent knocking or rattling from the suspension during the test drive, as this could indicate worn or broken suspension bushes or broken coil springs. The brake system, particularly the near-side front brakes, which showed binding in 2022 and thin pads in 2023, should be inspected for uneven brake disc thickness, corrosion, or binding calipers that may cause shuddering or pulsation when braking. Check for a spongy or uneven pedal feel, as this could signal worn brake pads, warped discs, or fluid contamination. Additionally, the tyres, which were worn close to legal limits or damaged in multiple MOTs, must be thoroughly inspected for sidewall perishing, cracks, or uneven wear patterns that could compromise handling and safety. Given the vehicle’s age, the tyres may have reached or neared their service life, and replacing them could be cost-effective to prevent future failure. The front undertray being non-secure is an advisory that should be addressed, as loose or damaged undertrays can lead to debris entering the engine bay, causing damage to components like the engine mounts or exhaust system. Finally, verify the windscreen washer system’s functionality, as its failure in 2025 is a critical safety issue that must be rectified before the vehicle is driven. For fluid checks, given the vehicle’s age, consider inspecting the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant for signs of degradation or contamination, as these fluids can break down over time even with regular use. A thorough service history check would also be beneficial to confirm whether routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake pad replacements, has been conducted as recommended.