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2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · YC16 BVL

YC16 BVL

2016 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 30 Mar 2016. Recorded mileage 56,057 miles. MOT valid until 28 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.

Make & Model
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
Year / Origin
2016 · Leeds
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 28 Sept 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
Recorded Mileage
56,057 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.2L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 28 Sept 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Sept 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2016
Engine
1197cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

Recurring issues with component accessibility and minor electrical or fluid delivery faults define this vehicle's recent inspection history. The most recent test on 17 September 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a failure regarding the windscreen washer system providing insufficient liquid. A persistent advisory regarding under trays preventing a full inspection of certain components has appeared in the last two consecutive tests, including the 2025 pass. This pattern suggests that while the vehicle is meeting minimum standards, the presence of aftermarket or non-standard undertrays may be obscuring the inspector's ability to verify the condition of the chassis, fuel lines, or steering components. The recorded mileage of 56,057 miles over a ten-year period indicates an average annual usage of approximately 5,606 miles. This represents a lower-than-average mileage profile for a 2016 vehicle, which can imply lighter road use but also carries the risk of components such as seals and suspension elements being subject to more frequent periods of inactivity. While lower mileage generally suggests less wear on the drivetrain and braking systems, the specific history of advisories for pitted brake discs in 2022 and oil misting on the offside front shock absorber in 2023 shows that even with lower usage, certain wear items are reaching the end of their service life. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems during a test drive to address previous advisories. Given the 2023 advisory for light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, listen for any knocking or clunking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate a failing damper. Additionally, since the 2022 record noted worn or pitted front brake discs, check for any pedal judder or vibrations through the footwell during braking, which may indicate uneven disc wear or warped rotors. The recent failure of the tyre pressure monitoring system in 2024 and the washer fluid issue in 2026 highlight a tendency for minor electrical or fluid-delivery components to require attention. On a test drive, verify that the tyre pressure warning light functions correctly and that the windscreen washer operates with adequate pressure and spray pattern. Most importantly, because the current advisory notes that undertrays are obstructing a full inspection, a buyer should request a visual check of the underside or look for signs of corrosion or fluid leaks that might be hidden by these covers, as the current MOT certificates do not provide a definitive view of the vehicle's lower structural integrity.
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YC16 BVL Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/09/2026
  • 56,057 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

YC16 BVL MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 19 Sept 2026, 02:00
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2016 Volkswagen Polo (YC16 BVL) between September 2024 and September 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 17 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

YC16 BVL Mileage History

  1. 27/09/202449,172 mi
  2. 27/09/202449,172 mi
  3. 19/09/202554,691 mi+5,519 mi
  4. 17/09/202656,057 mi+1,366 mi
  5. 17/09/202656,057 mi

Average of roughly 3,493 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C)

Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
78
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
78/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£800-£1,000
Mileage
At 54,691 miles, the car has been driven...

Our Verdict

This 2016 Volkswagen Polo presents a low

When inspecting the car, request any available service book entries to confirm regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance, especially around the periods when mileage increased noticeably between 2022 and 2025. Pay particular attention to the reason behind the 2024‑09‑27 MOT failure – even though no defects were recorded, an administrative or safety‑related issue could have been noted elsewhere. Verify that any outstanding recalls for the 2016 Polo have been addressed, as they are not reflected in MOT data.

Negotiating on price should consider the vehicle's mileage of 54,691 miles, which is below the average for a ten‑year‑old Polo, but also factor in the typical depreciation for a white, 1.2‑litre petrol model. A reasonable offer would be in line with market values for similar‑aged Polos with comparable mileage and MOT histories. Ensure the V5C registration document matches the VIN and that the car has a clear title before finalising the purchase.

The 1.2‑litre petrol engine in a Polo generally delivers fuel economy in the mid‑50 mpg range, translating to modest fuel bills for typical UK mileage. Road tax for this engine size and emissions class usually falls within the lower bands, often around £150‑£170 per year.

Insurance groups for the 2016 Polo are typically in the 12‑14 range, meaning premiums are moderate for a compact hatchback. Routine maintenance – such as timing belt replacement, brake pads, and tyre wear – aligns with standard small‑car upkeep costs, keeping annual running expenses reasonable.

Given the MOT history shows no recorded defects, focus inspection on the common failure points for the Polo model: headlamps, tyres, and parking brake efficiency. Check that all headlamps function correctly and that the tyre tread depth meets legal limits, as tyre wear is a frequent MOT issue across the model fleet.

Examine the parking brake for proper engagement and any signs of wear, since parking brake efficiency appears among the top MOT failures for Polos. Also, inspect the vehicle for any rust or corrosion, especially around wheel arches and undercarriage, as these are not captured by MOT defect listings but can affect long‑term durability.

The Polo has passed four of its five recorded MOTs and the single failure listed no specific defects, suggesting no recurring issues have been flagged. Its odometer reads 54,691 miles, which is below the model's average annual mileage of 5,914 miles, indicating lighter-than‑average use. Combined with a clean colour and a common 1.2‑litre petrol engine, it offers a practical balance of size and economy for UK drivers.

Across 675,478 Polos, the average MOT pass rate is 77.3%, so this vehicle's 80% personal pass rate is marginally better than the model average.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

VOLKSWAGEN POLO Model Intelligence & Reliability

Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.

All POLO problems

Regional DVLA Registration Directory

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