2001 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · LF51 AAV
2001 Volkswagen Polo (1.4L, petrol). First registered 03 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 99,863 miles. MOT valid until 25 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 99,863 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LF51 AAV Key Findings
- 24 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/04/2026
- 99,863 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LF51 AAV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
24 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Polo (LF51 AAV) between September 2005 and April 2026.
The record contains 22 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 April 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 (12 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
LF51 AAV Mileage History
- 05/09/20057,647 mi
- 31/08/20069,341 mi+1,694 mi
- 28/08/200713,665 mi+4,324 mi
- 03/09/200818,662 mi+4,997 mi
- 28/08/200923,539 mi+4,877 mi
- 26/08/201027,631 mi+4,092 mi
- 25/08/201131,846 mi+4,215 mi
- 29/08/201236,464 mi+4,618 mi
- 08/08/201340,967 mi+4,503 mi
- 21/08/201445,284 mi+4,317 mi
- 05/08/201549,377 mi+4,093 mi
- 26/08/201652,196 mi+2,819 mi
- 15/08/201754,096 mi+1,900 mi
- 29/09/201861,979 mi+7,883 mi
- 01/10/201862,070 mi+91 mi
- 28/09/201972,714 mi+10,644 mi
- 01/10/202079,627 mi+6,913 mi
- 29/09/202185,323 mi+5,696 mi
- 30/05/202289,521 mi+4,198 mi
- 24/04/202390,924 mi+1,403 mi
- 17/04/202492,213 mi+1,289 mi
- 16/04/202595,525 mi+3,312 mi
- 24/04/202699,860 mi+4,335 mi
- 27/04/202699,863 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly 4,468 miles per year across 24 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk3 (6N/6N2)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is relatively low for a 2001 vehicle, the recent MOT failure involving dangerous tyre defects and multiple suspension issues suggests a period of deferred maintenance.
If you are considering this Polo, your first priority should be a thorough mechanical inspection. The recent MOT history shows a pattern of 'not excessive' oil leaks dating back to at least 2018; you need to determine if this is a simple gasket issue or a more serious engine problem. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the immediate maintenance required for the brakes and tyres mentioned in the latest advisory.
Ask the seller for a detailed service history. While the mileage is under 100,000, the repeated advisories for worn anti-roll bar linkages, suspension bushes, and brake discs suggest that parts are often replaced only when they reach the point of failure rather than as part of preventative maintenance. Ensure the recent repairs following the April 2026 failure have been completed to a professional standard.
As a 1.4L petrol engine, this Polo is generally economical for city driving and falls into a relatively low insurance group and tax band, making it an affordable runaround. Maintenance costs for older Volkswagens can be moderate, but you should budget for frequent small repairs given the history of suspension and braking advisories.
Estimated annual running costs are likely to be around £900-£1,100, depending on your annual mileage and how frequently you encounter the recurring issues like oil leaks or tyre wear seen in the MOT records.
You must inspect the engine bay for the source of the long-standing oil leak, which has been noted in almost every MOT since 2018. Check the underside of the car for any signs of fresh leaks that might indicate the previous 'not excessive' leak has worsened.
Pay close attention to the front suspension; the April 2026 failure highlighted major issues with both anti-roll bar linkages and suspension arm bushes. Ensure these have been replaced and that there is no knocking from the front end. Finally, check the condition of the braking system, specifically the discs and the nearside rear service brake, as the recent history notes both pitting on the discs and a binding rear brake.
This 2001 silver Volkswagen Polo 1.4 petrol has covered 99,863 miles, which is reasonable for its age. However, the MOT history shows a concerning trend of recurring advisories, specifically regarding oil leaks and brake wear. A significant failure in April 2026 involving dangerous tyre bulges and worn suspension components indicates that the vehicle may not have been maintained to a high standard recently.
While specific aggregate data is unavailable, the individual history of this vehicle suggests that suspension components and minor leaks are common maintenance points for this era of Polo.
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
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VOLKSWAGEN POLO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Pedal Box Bracket Weld Fracture & Clutch Cable MisalignmentSerious
The spot-welded steel pedal box bracket can flex and crack under repetitive clutch actuation, causing the clutch pedal to drop to the floor or the clutch cable to snap.
- 085 5-Speed Manual Gearbox 5th Gear Whine & Bearing FailureSerious
The lightweight 085 5-speed manual gearbox suffers from premature output shaft bearing wear and 5th gear oil starvation if the transmission fluid level drops even slightly past the selector shaft seal.
- Ignition Coil Pack Moisture Tracking & Distributor Hall Sensor FailureModerate
The single-block ignition coil pack mounted to the bulkhead is prone to micro-cracking in damp UK weather, while earlier distributor-equipped models suffer from failed Hall effect sensors causing sudden engine cutting.
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