2001 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · Y997 AKM
2001 Volkswagen Polo (1.4L, petrol). First registered 10 Aug 2001. Recorded mileage 95,103 miles. MOT expired on 15 Feb 2025.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Feb 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 95,103 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
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.
Y997 AKM Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/02/2024
- 95,103 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y997 AKM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Polo (Y997 AKM) between February 2022 and February 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 February 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Y997 AKM Mileage History
- 11/02/202283,954 mi
- 11/02/202283,954 mi
- 10/02/202388,869 mi+4,915 mi
- 12/02/202495,103 mi+6,234 mi
Average of roughly 5,569 miles per year across 4 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: Below Average
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
This is a sensible option for those seeking a small, petrol-engined hatchback with a consistent recent MOT record. While it is an older vehicle, the lack of recent defects suggests it has met basic regulatory standards in its most recent inspections.
When considering this 1.4L petrol Polo, your primary focus should be on verifying the service history, as MOT records only confirm the vehicle met minimum safety standards at the time of testing. Since the vehicle is over 25 years old, check for any evidence of recent cambelt changes or water pump replacements, which are critical for this engine type.
Negotiate based on the age of the vehicle; while the MOT history is relatively clean, older Volkswagens can suffer from rubber component degradation. Ensure you ask for proof of any recent maintenance that falls outside the scope of an MOT test, such as brake fluid changes or suspension component refreshes.
As a 1390cc petrol engine, this Polo is likely to sit in a relatively low insurance group, making it an affordable option for newer drivers. Fuel economy for this generation of Polo is generally respectable for a small hatchback, though actual figures will depend on driving style and load.
Maintenance costs for a 2001 model are typically low due to the simplicity of the mechanical components, though parts for older Volkswagens can occasionally carry a premium. Expect annual running costs to be comprised of standard servicing, tax, and insurance, which should remain manageable for a budget-conscious buyer.
Given the MOT history shows a failure in February 2022 (though no specific defect was listed in the provided summary), you should pay close attention to the braking system and tyre condition. Even though the 2024 test showed no defects, older cars often have minor issues with suspension bushings or exhaust corrosion that may not yet have triggered an MOT failure.
Inspect the silver paintwork for signs of age-related oxidation and check all electrical components, including lights and wipers. Because the vehicle has surpassed 95,000 miles, a thorough check of the engine bay for oil leaks and a test drive to listen for any knocks or rattles from the suspension is highly recommended.
This 2001 silver Volkswagen Polo has covered 95,103 miles since its first registration in August 2001. The MOT history shows a pattern of passing tests, with the three most recent inspections in 2022, 2023, and 2024 all resulting in passes. Notably, the 2024 test was completed with no defects recorded, following a period of consistent results.
No aggregate reliability data is currently available for this specific Volkswagen Polo model to provide a statistical comparison.
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.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
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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