2016 Volkswagen Golf 1.4L Petrol · SN66 NXB

The most recent MOT, conducted on 12 August 2025 at 22,329 miles, passed but flagged four tyre-related advisories, indicating a worsening trend in basic upkeep compared to the clean bills of health recorded between 2021 and 2023. The tester identified both front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, while both rear tyres showed cracking or perishing. This shift from a defect-free record to multiple advisories in consecutive years suggests routine tyre maintenance has been neglected. The vehicle remains roadworthy at the time of the last test, but the recurrence of tyre deterioration signals a pattern of deferred consumable replacement. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2016 vehicle, averaging roughly 2,200 miles per year. The record shows a steady but gradual accumulation: 12,764 miles in August 2021, 16,788 miles in August 2022, 19,111 miles in August 2023, 21,276 miles in August 2024, and 22,329 miles in August 2025. The annual increments have narrowed significantly, from approximately 4,000 miles per year in the early period to just over 1,000 miles in the most recent twelve months. This tapering could indicate lighter use, a change in ownership, or extended periods of inactivity. Low mileage does not automatically equate to low wear; long stationary periods can cause tyre flat-spotting, brake disc surface corrosion, and seal deterioration, all of which warrant close physical inspection. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of all four tyres, checking the date stamps to determine age regardless of remaining tread depth. Tyres over six years old, even with adequate tread, carry an elevated risk of sidewall failure. The rear tyres in particular showed cracking and perishing in both 2024 and 2025, suggesting they may be original or near-original fitments that have aged beyond their service life. Beyond the tyres, a physical inspection should cover the condition of the brake discs and pads for surface corrosion consistent with prolonged standing, as well as the suspension bushes and coil springs, which can deteriorate from age and lack of use rather than mileage. The underbody and structural mounting points should be examined for corrosion, particularly if the vehicle has been stored in coastal or road-salt environments. The MOT record is otherwise clean, with no mechanical or structural failures documented across five consecutive annual tests, but the visible neglect of tyre condition in the last two years raises questions about the overall standard of care applied to this vehicle.