2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.8L Petrol · WR16 UTV

The 2016 Volkswagen Polo presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the most recent MOT pass recorded on 11 August 2025 at 117,865 miles, just over ten months ago. The vehicle failed its preceding test on 5 August 2025 at 117,743 miles due to an excessive engine oil leak that also prevented an emissions reading. It passed five days later with the same advisory for worn front brake discs carried over, suggesting the oil leak was addressed but the disc wear was not remedied. This pattern indicates a reactive rather than preventative maintenance approach, with a notable worsening trend in braking components and an engine oil leak that resolved between consecutive tests. The mileage accumulation is broadly consistent with typical use for a ten-year-old supermini, averaging approximately 11,786 miles per year. The record shows a steady climb from 91,126 miles in October 2022 to 117,865 miles by August 2025, with no significant gaps suggesting long-term storage or odometer anomalies. The annual testing pattern is regular, with tests clustered around the August window each year, and the mileage progression between tests aligns with normal commuting or mixed-use driving. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the engine and front braking system. The excessive oil leak flagged in the August 2025 failure warrants a thorough check of the rocker cover gasket, camshaft oil seals, and crankshaft oil seals for fresh weeping or residue. The recurring advisory for worn front brake discs, noted in both the failed and passed August 2025 tests, points to a persistent issue that may involve worn pads, binding calipers, or poor disc surface condition. The tester also flagged both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit in August 2024 at 108,698 miles, and the rear brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in October 2022 at 91,126 miles, indicating uneven wear across the axle sets over time. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be examined for deterioration, particularly given the age and mileage, and a close visual check of the underside for corrosion around mounting points and subframes is advisable. The windscreen chip or damage noted across multiple tests appears cosmetic and within tolerance, but its progression should be monitored for any spread affecting the driver's line of sight.