2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · YC16 ACU

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol is one of the more economical engines in the Polo range, typically returning around 47–50 mpg in mixed driving according to manufacturer figures, which keeps fuel bills modest for a supermini. Road tax sits in a low VED band for a petrol car of this age and engine size — you are looking at roughly £180 per year standard rate, with no premium-rate supplement. Insurance should fall into group 3–5 depending on trim, making this one of the cheaper cars to insure in its class.

Routine servicing is straightforward and parts are widely available, with minor services typically costing £120–£180 and major items such as brake fluid, coolant and spark plugs adding perhaps another £100–£150 when due. Front brake discs and pads on a Polo of this generation tend to come in at around £200–£280 fitted. Tyres are the recurring cost to budget for, given the recurring cracking advisories, and a set of four quality tyres will be around £200–£280. Overall annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance should land in the region of £1,400–£1,700.

Start with a close look at all four tyres — the MOT history shows rear tyre cracking/perishing flagged in 2023, 2024 and 2025, which is unusual to recur so consistently and may indicate ageing compound, UV exposure from outdoor storage, or low-cost replacements. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall; tyres over five years old should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Also inspect the front tyres for any uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues, and confirm a matching set rather than mismatched brands.

Next, examine the front exhaust mounting referenced in the 2025 test — rock the exhaust by hand (when cold) to detect play, and look for rust around the mounting rubber and the flexible joint, both common failure points on a ten-year-old VW. Move to the front brakes: the 2022 advisory flagged worn and pitted front discs, so feel for a lip on the disc edge and check for brake shudder under firm pedal pressure. Finally, walk around the white bodywork for stone chips and parking scuffs typical of a city-used supermini, lift the boot carpet to check for water ingress, and inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks from the cam chain area — a known inspection point on the 1.0 MPI unit.