2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · RK66 XMC

The 2016 Volkswagen Polo holds a valid MOT issued on 19 January 2026 at 49,300 miles, but the overall maintenance trend is mixed rather than reassuring. The most recent test flagged corroded rear brake discs, a recurring issue that has persisted across multiple inspections. While the car has consistently passed, the pattern suggests a tendency to leave minor braking components until they reach advisory thresholds rather than replacing them proactively. The January 2026 pass also carried an advisory for corroded rear discs, mirroring the January 2026 entry itself, indicating this particular fault has been tolerated for at least several months. The 2025 test showed rear brake pads wearing thin and both rear tyres cracking or perishing, pointing to deferred attention on consumable items at that time. At roughly 4,930 miles per year, the Polo has covered significantly less than the UK average of around 7,000 to 8,000 miles annually for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression is steady and consistent: 38,228 miles in March 2022, 40,694 in March 2023, 43,333 in March 2024, 45,894 in March 2025, and 49,300 in January 2026. Each annual increment sits between approximately 2,400 and 3,500 miles, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps. This regularity suggests genuine low use rather than a rolled-back odometer, though the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which itself can contribute to the corrosion issues noted on the rear brake discs and the perishing observed on the rear tyres in 2025. The rear braking system demands the closest scrutiny from any prospective buyer. Rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in both March 2022 and March 2025, and rear brake discs were noted as worn or pitted in March 2024 before being described as corroded in January 2026. This progression from wear to corrosion is typical of a vehicle used for short journeys where discs never reach full operating temperature long enough to evaporate moisture. A physical inspection should check disc thickness, pad depth, and whether the rear calipers are binding, a common cause of uneven disc wear and corrosion build-up on low-mileage city cars. Beyond the brakes, the nearside front shock absorber was recorded with a light oil misting in March 2022 at 38,228 miles. This advisory did not reappear in subsequent tests, but it should not be dismissed without a physical check, as a misting can progress to a full leak over time, particularly if the car has been sitting idle for long stretches. The cracking and perishing observed on both rear tyres in March 2025 also warrants attention to the age of the current rubber, especially if the car has been stationary for extended periods between uses. A buyer should inspect the sidewalls for dry rot and verify the date stamps on all four tyres, along with the condition of the suspension bushes and subframe mounting points, where corrosion can develop on vehicles that spend time parked on damp ground.