2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · FY62 YBF
2012 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 17 Sept 2012. Recorded mileage 66,540 miles. MOT expired on 15 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Lincoln
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,540 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- 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.
FY62 YBF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/09/2025
- 66,540 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FY62 YBF 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 2012 Volkswagen Polo (FY62 YBF) between September 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 September 2025 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: Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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: “Nearside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
FY62 YBF Mileage History
- 11/09/202362,055 mi
- 09/09/202464,225 mi+2,170 mi
- 09/09/202464,226 mi+1 mi
- 09/09/202566,540 mi+2,314 mi
- 09/09/202566,540 mi
Average of roughly 2,246 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C)
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.
Digital Service History
Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for FY62YBF.
Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records
Check franchised dealer maintenance history for FY62YBF. Our direct integration verifies routine service events, workshop operations, recorded mileage, and technician logs.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough insp
Before purchasing, verify that the shock absorbers identified as leaking in 2023 and 2024 have been replaced with quality parts. You should also confirm that the rear tyres, which failed in 2025 due to structural separation, are new and not merely patched.
Ask for evidence of service history to ensure the exhaust lambda issue noted in 2024 has been addressed through maintenance rather than just a one-off fix. Given the binding brake issue recorded in 2024, a test drive to check for pulling or unusual noises from the rear is essential.
The 1198cc petrol engine is generally positioned in a lower insurance group, making it suitable for various drivers. Fuel economy for this model is typically moderate, suitable for urban and suburban driving.
Maintenance costs for a Polo of this age often involve routine items like tyres and brakes, which have appeared in this vehicle's MOT history. Expect annual running costs to be influenced by the age of the vehicle and your specific driving habits.
Specifically inspect the rear suspension components; the MOT history shows a progression from 'light misting' of oil on the shock absorbers in 2023 to a 'serious fluid leak' in 2024. Ensure these have been fully resolved.
Check the condition of all four tyres, as the 2025 failure was specifically due to structural tears in both rear tyres. Additionally, listen for any binding or dragging sensations from the rear brakes, referencing the 2024 failure for excessive binding.
This 2012 silver Volkswagen Polo 1.2L petrol has covered 66,540 miles, which is relatively low for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of issues, including shock absorber leaks in 2023 and 2024, and a failure in 2025 due to structural tyre damage. While the 2025 test was passed with no defects, the previous year's record indicates concerns regarding exhaust emissions and braking.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, with common failures involving tyres, ball joints, and engine management.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (FY62 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as FY62YBF.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
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 2012 model year cars.
- TSI Timing Chain (EA111)Serious
Early 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 engines use a timing chain that is prone to stretching, causing rattles on cold start and risking catastrophic engine damage.
- DQ200 DSG Mechatronic FailureSerious
The 7-speed dry-clutch DQ200 gearbox can suffer mechatronic unit failure, causing erratic gear changes, loss of drive, or the gearbox entering limp mode. The accumulator piston and clutch actuator are common weak points.
- EA189 Diesel Emissions RecallModerate
The 1.2 TDI and 1.6 TDI engines were part of the "Dieselgate" EA189 emissions scandal. The software fix applied by VW has been linked by many owners to increased EGR valve failures, DPF blockages, and reduced fuel economy.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.