2001 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · LF51 AAV
2001 Volkswagen Polo (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 99,863 miles. MOT valid until 25 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 99,863 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.4L
- 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.
LF51 AAV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/04/2026
- 99,863 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
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LF51 AAV Mileage History
- 24/04/202390,924 mi
- 17/04/202492,213 mi+1,289 mi
- 16/04/202595,525 mi+3,312 mi
- 24/04/202699,860 mi+4,335 mi
- 27/04/202699,863 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly 2,971 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
LF51 AAV 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 2001 Volkswagen Polo (LF51 AAV) between April 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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 Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is relatively low for a 2001 vehicle, the recent MOT failure involving dangerous tyre defects and multiple suspension issues suggests a period of deferred maintenance.
If you are considering this Polo, your first priority should be a thorough mechanical inspection. The recent MOT history shows a pattern of 'not excessive' oil leaks dating back to at least 2018; you need to determine if this is a simple gasket issue or a more serious engine problem. Negotiate the price downwards to account for the immediate maintenance required for the brakes and tyres mentioned in the latest advisory.
Ask the seller for a detailed service history. While the mileage is under 100,000, the repeated advisories for worn anti-roll bar linkages, suspension bushes, and brake discs suggest that parts are often replaced only when they reach the point of failure rather than as part of preventative maintenance. Ensure the recent repairs following the April 2026 failure have been completed to a professional standard.
As a 1.4L petrol engine, this Polo is generally economical for city driving and falls into a relatively low insurance group and tax band, making it an affordable runaround. Maintenance costs for older Volkswagens can be moderate, but you should budget for frequent small repairs given the history of suspension and braking advisories.
Estimated annual running costs are likely to be around £900-£1,100, depending on your annual mileage and how frequently you encounter the recurring issues like oil leaks or tyre wear seen in the MOT records.
You must inspect the engine bay for the source of the long-standing oil leak, which has been noted in almost every MOT since 2018. Check the underside of the car for any signs of fresh leaks that might indicate the previous 'not excessive' leak has worsened.
Pay close attention to the front suspension; the April 2026 failure highlighted major issues with both anti-roll bar linkages and suspension arm bushes. Ensure these have been replaced and that there is no knocking from the front end. Finally, check the condition of the braking system, specifically the discs and the nearside rear service brake, as the recent history notes both pitting on the discs and a binding rear brake.
This 2001 silver Volkswagen Polo 1.4 petrol has covered 99,863 miles, which is reasonable for its age. However, the MOT history shows a concerning trend of recurring advisories, specifically regarding oil leaks and brake wear. A significant failure in April 2026 involving dangerous tyre bulges and worn suspension components indicates that the vehicle may not have been maintained to a high standard recently.
While specific aggregate data is unavailable, the individual history of this vehicle suggests that suspension components and minor leaks are common maintenance points for this era of Polo.
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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