2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SW66 KXV

A clear pattern of brake disc and front suspension wear advisories defines the mechanical story of this 2016 Volkswagen Polo across its recorded MOT history, while the test outcomes themselves have remained consistently clean. The most recent test on 3 November 2025 recorded a pass with no defects, continuing a run of passes that stretches back through 2024 and 2023. However, the earlier tests reveal component wear that has recurred or developed over time. The 2020 test flagged all four brake discs as worn, pitted, or scored, alongside a nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush issue, and the 2019 test recorded both nearside and offside front suspension arm rear bush advisories along with nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit on the edges. These are the only recorded advisories, but they identify the specific mechanical areas where wear has been progressive. The recorded mileage of 59,561 miles over a ten-year period equates to approximately 5,956 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This level of use generally means slower wear on drivetrain components and consumables such as clutches, engines, and gearboxes, but it can also indicate extended periods of stationary storage. Vehicles used infrequently are more prone to issues with brake discs corroding, suspension bushes drying out and cracking, tyres developing flat spots, and fluid degradation. The mileage recorded between tests has been broadly consistent with modest annual use, with no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for prolonged periods. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension components warrant close physical inspection, particularly the rear bushes on the lower suspension arms which were flagged on both sides in 2019 and again on the nearside in 2020. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and during full steering lock manoeuvres, as these symptoms typically indicate further deterioration of the worn bushes. The brake discs, which were noted as pitted or scored on all four corners in 2020, should be checked for any vibration or judder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under braking, along with any grinding or scraping sounds that could indicate the wear has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. The binding or uneven operation of the calipers should also be assessed, as low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to seized mechanisms. The 2019 advisory noting front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges suggests possible wheel alignment geometry issues, which on a test drive would manifest as steering pull to one side, uneven steering wheel return, or the vehicle drifting from a straight line on a level road. It would be prudent to have the current wheel alignment checked and to inspect the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends for any play or perished bushes, given the recurring advisories in this area. The brake fluid should also be considered for replacement if it has not been changed recently, as low-mileage use does not prevent moisture accumulation in the hydraulic system. Any signs of fluid leaks around the brake calipers, suspension dampers, or under the engine bay should be noted during a physical inspection, as these are common failure points on a Polo of this age.