2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · CE15 YSW

The 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine should return a real-world 45-55 mpg depending on driving style, with combined WLTP figures closer to 50 mpg. Road tax (VED) for a Euro 6 petrol registered after April 2015 is £190 per year at the standard rate, though this Polo sits in a low insurance group (typically group 4-7 depending on trim) keeping premiums modest. Parts are widely available and inexpensive thanks to shared Volkswagen Group platforms, with a major service (oil, filter, inspection) around £150-£200 at an independent specialist.

Annual maintenance on a well-kept example typically runs £300-£500, with occasional bigger-ticket items like brake discs or tyres adding perhaps another £200-£300 in any given year. Allowing for fuel at 10,000 miles per year, tax, insurance and routine upkeep, a realistic budget is on the lower end for a small car of this age.

On inspection, prioritise the front brake discs and pads — both attracted advisories at the 2022 and 2023 MOTs, so physically check the pad material thickness and run a finger around the disc edge to feel for a pronounced lip, which indicates wear. Also lift the car and check for any play in the front suspension, as ball joint wear is the third most common MOT failure reason across the Polo range analysed.

For the 1.0-litre engine specifically, check for oil leaks around the cam chain cover and the coolant housing at the back of the engine — these three-cylinder units can weep from these areas with age. Listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start, and confirm the engine management light is off (engine MIL inoperative is the second most common MOT failure on this model overall). Inspect the tyres for even wear, as uneven shoulders can point to alignment or suspension issues, and tyres are the single most common MOT failure reason on this model.

Finally, walk around the white bodywork in good light to check for stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper (common on any white car), and inspect the underside for any corrosion on the exhaust or rear beam — the Polo is largely rot-resistant but surface corrosion can still appear on older examples.