2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FN12 LLA

The 1.2-litre petrol Polo is known for sensible economy, typically returning 45-50 mpg in mixed driving and up to 55 mpg on a steady run. Fuel costs will depend heavily on mileage, but at around 6,000 miles per year a typical owner might spend £800-£1,000 on petrol. Road tax for a 2012 1198cc petrol Polo falls into a modest band, usually £30-£165 depending on exact CO2 figure — confirm the VED band against the V5C before purchase. Insurance is one of the Polo's strengths: it sits in a low insurance group, so a typical quote for an experienced driver should be in the £350-£500 range annually.

Maintenance is generally affordable thanks to shared parts across the VW Group range. Routine servicing (oil, filter, plugs) on a 1.2 petrol is straightforward and usually costs £120-£200 at an independent garage. Major items such as clutch or exhaust replacements are occasional rather than regular costs. Estimated annual running costs for this vehicle, including fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance, are in the region of £1,500-£2,000.

Given the MOT history, the rear tyres are clearly the standout item. Measure tread depth across the full width — if the inside or outside shoulder is wearing faster than the centre, this points to alignment or suspension geometry issues that an MOT alone would not flag. Look closely at the sidewalls for perishing or cracking, as the 2023 advisory specifically noted this. Also inspect the offside front anti-roll bar linkage and its dust cover, since the 2026 advisory flagged the cover as severely deteriorated. With the cover compromised, the joint is exposed to road grime, so try to move the car from side to side and listen for any knocking over uneven surfaces.

For a 2012 Polo 1.2 with 60,000 miles, it is sensible to check common age-related items not necessarily captured in MOT data. Inspect the water pump and thermostat housing for leaks (the 1.2 engine is known for this as it ages), look at the underside for corrosion around the rear axle and exhaust mounting points, and confirm the air conditioning blows cold — regassing on older Polos is common. Test all electrical items including windows, central locking and the infotainment (if fitted), and verify the timing chain is quiet on a cold start — any rattle that disappears as the engine warms suggests chain stretch, which is expensive to remedy.