2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SL16 TKC

A clear mechanical thread runs through the record of this 2016 Volkswagen Polo: braking and suspension components have been the principal areas of tester attention, with two failed MOTs in 2022 and 2023 and a recurring advisory pattern relating to front suspension arm bushes and tyres. The 2023 failure was driven by an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush, after the nearside component had already been flagged as worn but within tolerance three days earlier. The 2022 failure was more serious in regulatory terms, recording a Dangerous defect for a nearside rear brake pad incorrectly mounted, accompanied by an advisory for a binding nearside rear service brake. The most recent test on 18 October 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting that remedial work on the suspension arm and the rear brake assembly was carried out between 2023 and 2025, though the absence of any current advisory does not by itself confirm that the underlying components are in first-class condition. The odometer currently reads 85,557 miles across approximately ten years of life, giving an annualised rate of around 8,556 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical private use for a Polo of this age. MOT testing has been consistently annual with no extended gaps in cover, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular road use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. That continuity means wear-related deterioration on consumable items such as suspension links, brake friction material and tyres would have accumulated progressively, which is consistent with the pattern of advisories seen at each test from 2021 onwards. For a prospective buyer, the suspension arm and bush condition is the most worthwhile area to probe physically, given the progression from a 2023 advisory to a major failure within the same testing cycle. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces and during full-lock manoeuvres, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the steering response, particularly on coarse surfaces. With the front end supported on a ramp or over a pit, the offside and nearside front lower arm bushes should be hand-checked for slack, as perished or hardened rubber is a common failure mode on a Polo at this mileage. The braking system requires equally direct attention because of the 2022 Dangerous defect and the 2021 advisories for both front and rear brake discs showing pitting and scoring. On the road, any pulling to one side under firm braking, judder through the pedal, or a rear wheel that feels hot shortly after driving warrants further investigation, as it could indicate a binding caliper or a warped rear disc. Finally, the rear tyres have carried an advisory for perishing or cracking at three consecutive tests between 2021 and 2024, so a close visual inspection of the sidewalls and tread for ozone cracking is justified, particularly on a vehicle that has seen ten years of service, and a check of the front tyres for matching age-related deterioration is also sensible.