2008 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · LT08 AAE
2008 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 30 Apr 2008. Recorded mileage 139,142 miles. MOT expired on 24 May 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 24 May 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (13 Jan 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,142 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
LT08 AAE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 22/05/2025
- 139,142 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LT08 AAE 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 2008 Volkswagen Polo (LT08 AAE) between May 2023 and May 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 May 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: Lighting (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). 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: “Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
LT08 AAE Mileage History
- 11/05/2023122,736 mi
- 22/05/2024133,130 mi+10,394 mi
- 22/05/2024133,130 mi
- 22/05/2025139,142 mi+6,012 mi
- 22/05/2025139,142 mi
Average of roughly 8,076 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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
Proceed with caution. While the vehicle
Prioritise verifying the repairs carried out following the May 2025 MOT failure. Specifically, ask for evidence that the emissions issues (CO, HC, and Lambda readings) and the deteriorated CV boots were fully rectified rather than temporarily patched. Given the age and mileage of the 1.2L engine, you should also request documentation regarding the timing belt replacement, as this is a critical maintenance item for this model.
Negotiate based on the recorded oil leak, which was noted as 'not excessive' during the last test but indicates ongoing engine wear. Ensure any remaining advisories are addressed before purchase to avoid immediate post-purchase costs.
The 1.2L petrol engine is designed for economy, though fuel efficiency will be lower than modern equivalents. This vehicle will fall into a standard tax band for 2008 petrol cars and a relatively low insurance group, making it affordable for new drivers or city commuters.
However, maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the vehicle's age and mileage. The recorded oil leak and previous brake wear suggest that mechanical components are reaching the end of their natural lifespan, necessitating a more frequent maintenance budget.
Carefully inspect the front drive shafts and CV boots, as these were flagged as severely deteriorated in May 2025. Check for any fresh oil residue at the front of the engine to assess the current state of the reported oil leak.
Check the brake pedal feel and visually inspect the discs and pads where possible, referencing the 2024 failure for worn inner brake discs and pads. Finally, ensure the lighting system is fully operational, as both position and stop lamps were failed in the most recent test.
This blue 2008 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L has covered 139,142 miles. The MOT history reveals failures in both 2024 and 2025, involving emissions limits, worn brake components, and severely deteriorated CV boots. It is a high-mileage example of a model that typically sees a 77.3% MOT pass rate across the UK.
The Polo has an average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, with common aggregate failures involving 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
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