2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · WM66 UWN

A clear pattern of rear brake wear emerges from the DVSA history of this 2016 Volkswagen Polo, with pitted rear brake discs and thinning rear brake pads flagged as advisories across two consecutive test cycles and a failed retest in November 2024. The most recent assessment on 12 November 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, suggesting the components previously flagged have either been renewed or have not yet reached advisory thresholds again. However, the rear braking system should not be considered resolved on the strength of one clean test alone, given the recurring nature of disc and pad wear documented over the previous two years. The failed 21 November 2024 retest also recorded a major defect concerning both front outer drive shaft constant velocity joint boots, which had split and could no longer prevent ingress of dirt, indicating a drivetrain vulnerability that may have been addressed at the time but warrants verification. Recorded mileage of 52,483 against a ten-year vehicle age equates to roughly 5,248 miles per annum, which is notably below the typical accumulation for a car of this vintage. The MOT testing history shows consistent annual attendance from 2023 onwards, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods, which reduces the likelihood of issues such as seized brakes, deteriorated rubber components, or flat-spotted tyres associated with prolonged standing. The relatively gentle usage profile suggests that major mechanical wear items, including timing chain components, clutch assembly, and suspension linkages, are unlikely to be at an advanced stage of fatigue relative to the odometer reading. That said, low annual mileage can sometimes mask localised corrosion, particularly to underbody components and brake pipework, where short journeys and infrequent use allow moisture to persist without the drying effect of sustained driving. Given the recurring rear brake disc and pad advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a road test with deliberate emphasis on the braking system. Listen for any grinding or scraping noise from the rear hubs, feel for any judder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm application, and check that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline without excessive travel. Visually inspect the rear discs through the wheel spokes for visible lipping at the outer edge, deep scoring, or a blue heat-tinted appearance, all of which would suggest the discs have been running hot or are nearing minimum thickness. Confirm the rear pad material remains well above the backing plate by examining the caliper window where visible, and ask for documentary evidence of any disc or pad renewal carried out after the November 2024 advisories. The front drive shaft CV boot failure flagged in November 2024 is equally worthy of close physical inspection, as a compromised boot allows grease to escape and contaminants to enter the joint, accelerating wear of the internal constant velocity components. On a test drive, listen for a clicking or knocking noise from the front wheels when turning at low speed, particularly full-lock manoeuvres, and feel for any vibration or shudder through the steering wheel during acceleration. Additionally, although not specifically recorded in the MOT history, the buyer should inspect the inner CV joint gaiters for signs of grease fling or cracking, as the original failure noted both outer boots as insecure, and inner boots can degrade on a similar timeline. A thorough underbody examination for any emerging corrosion to suspension arms, brake lines, and the rear axle beam is also advisable given the vehicle's age, even though no such defects have yet been recorded by DVSA.