2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · YA66 BDF

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 April 2026 resulted in a PASS, accompanied by two advisories relating to light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and minor damage or perishing on the nearside rear tyre. Reviewing the broader MOT trajectory, the vehicle has passed every annual test since first registration without ever recording a failure, which is a commendable record for a ten year old Polo. However, the pattern of advisories is a clear indicator that the suspension and braking components are entering a wear phase consistent with the higher mileage band of this particular example. The offside front shock absorber has now carried an advisory across three consecutive tests in 2020, 2025 and 2026, signalling a progressive deterioration rather than a transient issue, while the front lower suspension arm bush and brake components have also generated advisories in the recent past. Overall, the maintenance trend is stable enough to pass but the recurrence of identical advisories suggests the wear profile is gradually worsening rather than improving. With 82,193 miles accumulated over roughly a decade, this Polo is averaging approximately 8,219 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record and no evidence of long periods of standing, meaning the mechanical components have generally been worked consistently rather than left idle. That said, the recorded mileage places it firmly in the higher wear category for items such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, brake discs and pads, and clutch or dual mass flywheel condition, particularly given that the early MOT advisories in 2019 already noted tyres worn close to the legal limit on three corners simultaneously. Continuous annual usage of this nature generally accelerates consumption of friction materials and rubber components, and the recent advisories confirm that pattern of wear is now becoming more visible on inspection. For a prospective buyer, the persistent offside front shock absorber advisory warrants close attention on a test drive. Listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during heavy braking, and pay attention to excessive body roll through corners or a persistently nose-diving stance under braking, all of which would suggest the damper is losing its damping efficiency. Visually inspect the offside front shock for any heavier oil weep down the body of the unit, corrosion around the top mount, or perished rubber gaiters, as a misting that has persisted across multiple tests will likely require replacement in the near term. Given the advisory on the nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush from the 2025 test, it is also prudent to check for any knocking or play from the front suspension on uneven surfaces, as worn bushes of this nature tend to loosen progressively and can affect steering precision and front-end stability. The braking system merits particular scrutiny given the advisories recorded on both the front and rear brake discs across 2023 and 2025. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing or shudder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm deceleration, which would indicate either lipped or excessively worn discs, and check for any pulling to one side under braking that might suggest a binding or sticking caliper. The nearside rear tyre advisory for damage, cracking or perishing is worth a physical inspection, as tyres of this age can suffer from sidewall perishing even when tread depth remains adequate, and any visible cracking or bulging in the sidewall rubber would warrant immediate replacement regardless of remaining tread. Beyond the recorded advisories, given the vehicle's age it is sensible to verify the date code on all four tyres, confirm the 12 volt battery is in good health and holds charge, check for any corrosion around the brake discs from short journeys or infrequent use, and ensure that time-based servicing items such as brake fluid, coolant and the timing belt replacement interval, which on this generation of Polo is typically due every five years or so, have been attended to in line with the manufacturer's schedule.