2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · HJ14 ADU

The 1.4-litre petrol Polo typically returns around 40-47 mpg in real-world driving, depending on whether it is the naturally aspirated or supercharged variant — confirm which engine is fitted during the test drive. Road tax for a 2014 1.4-litre petrol Polo sits in a low VED band (typically £30-£165 annually depending on exact CO2 figure), and insurance falls into groups 7-15, making this a relatively cheap car to keep on the road. Servicing costs are modest if you use an independent garage rather than a main dealer, with interim oil changes typically £120-£180 and a major service around £250-£350. Budget for occasional replacement items such as brake discs, tyres, and exhaust components as the car continues to age.

Estimated annual running costs combine fuel (assuming 8,000 miles at 43 mpg and petrol at around £1.40/litre equates to roughly £1,170), tax, insurance (around £350-£500 for an average driver), and maintenance budget of £200-£300, giving a realistic annual figure in the region of £1,800-£2,100. The below-average mileage recorded on this example suggests annual costs could be lower if usage remains modest.

Reference the MOT history carefully: the only recorded advisory was an inoperative nearside rear registration plate lamp in 2025, which is a trivial fix. However, the wider Polo model's most common MOT failure points include tyres, engine MIL (management light) issues, and ball joint wear, so a thorough inspection should focus on these areas. Check the condition of all four tyres including the spare, looking for uneven wear that might suggest suspension or geometry problems. Inspect the engine bay for any signs of the management light being live, and consider an OBD scan to check for stored fault codes even if the light is off.

The 1.4 petrol engine is generally reliable but inspect the cam belt or chain condition depending on variant, and check for oil seepage around the rocker cover and sump gasket. Listen for any knocking from the suspension over bumps, which could indicate worn ball joints or drop links — the latter being a common Polo MOT failure. Inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle and exhaust mounting points, as well as the brake discs for lipping and the handbrake operation. Finally, check all lights, including the registration plate illumination, to ensure the previously noted defect has been properly resolved.