2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · DV59 XGR
2009 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 18 Nov 2009. Recorded mileage 126,875 miles. MOT valid until 15 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 126,875 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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DV59 XGR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/08/2026
- 126,875 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DV59 XGR MOT History
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 2009 Volkswagen Polo (DV59 XGR) between August 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 12 August 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 (8 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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: “Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”.
DV59 XGR Mileage History
- 09/08/2024116,309 mi
- 30/07/2025121,884 mi+5,575 mi
- 30/07/2025121,884 mi
- 12/08/2026126,875 mi+4,991 mi
- 12/08/2026126,875 mi
Average of roughly 5,264 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N/9N3)
Our database tracks 5 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 caution. While the vehicle
Prioritise checking the parking brake, as it failed for both efficiency and adjustment in July 2025 and August 2026. You should also verify if the oil leak and exhaust leak noted in August 2024 were professionally repaired, as these can lead to more significant costs if left unaddressed.
Given the recurring tyre issues—including nails and worn edges recorded in 2025—inspect the current tread depth and sidewall condition of all four tyres. Ensure that the track rod end dust covers, which were flagged in 2026, have been properly dealt with to prevent joint failure.
The 1198cc petrol engine is designed for efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for urban driving. Insurance groups for the 2009 Polo are generally low, and the vehicle falls into a standard tax bracket for its age and engine size.
Maintenance costs are likely to be moderate, though the high mileage and history of leaks suggest that wear-and-tear items will require more frequent attention. Expect annual costs to be higher than a lower-mileage equivalent due to the age of the components.
Carefully test the parking brake to ensure it holds the vehicle securely on a gradient, as this has been a repeated MOT failure point. Inspect the front of the engine for any signs of active oil seepage and listen for any blowing sounds from the exhaust system, referencing the 2024 advisories.
Check all external lighting, including the position lamps and registration plate light, which have failed in previous tests. Finally, examine the steering rack and track rod ends for any signs of deterioration or leaking grease, following the dust cover issues noted in the most recent MOT.
This red 2009 Volkswagen Polo has covered 126,875 miles, which is above the model average. The MOT history shows a pattern of failures related to the parking brake and tyre condition, with a recent failure in August 2026. It is a high-mileage example of a 1.2L petrol city car with a record of frequent minor defects.
The Polo has a 77.3% average MOT pass rate across 671,964 analysed vehicles, with tyres and ball joints identified as top failure reasons.
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 2009 model year cars.
- Electro-Hydraulic Steering PumpSerious
The electro-hydraulic power steering pump (TRW or KOYO) or its wiring loom can fail, leading to intermittent or total loss of steering assistance.
- Timing Chain Rattle (1.2 TSI)Serious
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine uses a timing chain that stretches over time, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start. If the chain jumps, it can cause catastrophic valve and piston damage.
- Front Wishbone Bush WearModerate
The front lower wishbone bushes perish prematurely, causing vague steering, knocking noises over bumps and uneven tyre wear.
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