2016 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · YH66 FHX

A pattern of front suspension wear has emerged as the defining mechanical issue on this Volkswagen Up, with the front-end components showing progressive deterioration across the 2023 and 2026 test entries. The most recent test on 12 February 2026 recorded a pass, but only after a significant failure nine days earlier which flagged major defects on both upper Macpherson strut top mount bearings, a split upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover on the nearside front, and a cracked fuel filler cap seal on the offside rear. Earlier, on 25 September 2023, a nearside front suspension arm pin or bush was recorded as excessively worn, presenting a major defect at that test. The recurring nature of these front axle advisories, combined with the appearance of strut top mount wear and droplink-style component degradation on both sides, suggests that the suspension is consuming parts at an accelerated rate relative to the vehicle's modest annual mileage, and any prospective purchase should treat the front-end geometry as a priority inspection area. Across the recorded test history covering 2022 through early 2026, the odometer has progressed from its first reading at the September 2022 test to 55,394 miles at the February 2026 visit, representing an accumulation of roughly 5,500 miles per year. This is below average for a ten-year-old city car and the relatively short annual mileage is consistent with light commuting use rather than high-mileage motorway driving. However, the recurring front suspension defects are somewhat at odds with such modest usage, as wear of strut top mount bearings, suspension arm pins/bushes, and anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers typically reflects prolonged exposure to poor road surfaces, kerbing, or extended standing periods allowing rubber components to deteriorate through age rather than mechanical fatigue alone. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, indicating the vehicle has remained in continuous use throughout the recorded period. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension assemblies in particular. Listen and feel for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed humps or potholes, as these are the typical audible symptoms of worn Macpherson strut top mount bearings and deteriorated suspension arm bushes. With the vehicle unladen, rock each front wheel laterally at nine and three o'clock to detect play in the anti-roll bar ball joint or droplink dust cover area; any perceptible movement or visible grease contamination around the split rubber boot flagged in the 2026 test would confirm renewed wear. Inspect the underside of the upper strut mounting areas inside the engine bay for any signs of fluid weeping from the top mount bearings, and check that the strut domes sit squarely without any lateral shift. The condition of the tyres should also be examined closely, as uneven inner or outer shoulder wear may point to compromised suspension geometry stemming from the worn components previously recorded. Beyond the front axle, attention should also be directed to the braking system given the advisory at the September 2023 test noting that the rear parking brake efficiency was only just met. On a test drive, apply the parking brake on an incline and confirm that the vehicle holds firmly without rolling, and during normal braking observe whether the rear drums or calipers show any tendency to bind or pull to one side. The 2025 test also recorded a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system and an illuminated ABS warning lamp, both of which had been rectified by the subsequent January 2025 pass; however, on a pre-purchase inspection it would be prudent to confirm that no warning lamps remain active on the dashboard and that the TPMS sensors are functioning correctly, as these systems can be costly to remedy if a fault has recurred. Finally, the persistent battery security issue noted on both 2026 entries warrants a quick check of the battery tray and clamp, and the cracked fuel cap seal previously flagged should be replaced with a genuine Volkswagen item to ensure correct sealing and prevent an immediate MOT failure at the next test.