2005 Volkswagen Polo 1.9L Diesel · EK55 OKS
2005 Volkswagen Polo (1.9L, diesel). First registered 28 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 150,943 miles. MOT expired on 27 Jul 2024.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Jul 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (26 Sept 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 150,943 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- 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.
EK55 OKS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 12/07/2024
- 150,943 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 14 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EK55 OKS 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 2005 Volkswagen Polo (EK55 OKS) between July 2022 and July 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 12 July 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (9 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Windscreen (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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: “Offside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced ”; “Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced”; “Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingre”.
EK55 OKS Mileage History
- 18/07/2022134,856 mi
- 15/07/2023147,029 mi+12,173 mi
- 26/07/2023147,084 mi+55 mi
- 29/07/2023147,090 mi+6 mi
- 12/07/2024150,943 mi+3,853 mi
Average of roughly 8,105 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: Poor
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
Strong caution is advised. This vehicle
The most critical point of negotiation and inspection is the structural corrosion. The July 2024 MOT failure explicitly states that the integral body structure of the sills was corroded to the extent that rigidity was significantly reduced on both the nearside and offside. You must verify if these have been professionally welded and if there is documented proof of the repair.
Additionally, the vehicle had three MOT attempts within a two-week window in July 2023, indicating a struggle to bring the car up to a roadworthy standard. Check the service history for any evidence of the engine management light issue recorded in 2023 and ensure the steering rack inner joints have been replaced following the 2024 failure.
The 1.9L diesel engine typically offers good fuel economy for its age, though maintenance costs for a vehicle with this mileage and history are likely to be high. You should budget for ongoing suspension and brake work, as pitting and wear have been recurring themes in the MOT records.
Annual costs will include road tax based on 2005 emissions standards and insurance for a Polo, which generally falls into a moderate group. Given the structural issues, the estimated annual running cost is higher than average to account for essential safety repairs.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the sills and underbody. The MOT history notes 'Integral body structure corroded' on both sides; look for poor-quality patch welds or hidden rust. Inspect the steering rack and track rod ends, as play and damaged dust covers were flagged in the most recent test.
Check the braking system carefully, specifically the rear discs for pitting and the parking brake efficiency, both of which were failure points in 2024. Finally, inspect the CV joints for grease leaks and the tyres for the cracking and edge wear noted in the 2022 and 2024 records.
This black 2005 Volkswagen Polo has recorded 150,943 miles and shows a concerning pattern of MOT failures. Recent records from 2023 and 2024 highlight significant structural corrosion to the sills and recurring issues with the braking system and steering. While the 1.9L diesel engine is a known quantity, the chassis integrity is a primary concern.
The Polo has an average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, with common failures typically relating to tyres, engine management lights, and ball joints.
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
Vehicle & Plate History
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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 2005 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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