2019 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · MV19 MYS

The 999cc petrol engine in this Polo is one of the more economical units in the class, with official figures of around 47-50 mpg in real-world mixed driving, meaning fuel costs of roughly £1,400-£1,700 per year at current prices for 7,500 miles. As a Euro 6 compliant petrol registered after April 2017, it costs nothing in VED road tax, which is a meaningful saving compared with older Polos. Insurance sits in group 8-10 depending on trim, placing it in the cheaper bracket for a small family car and typically costing £450-£650 annually for a standard UK driver.

Routine maintenance is modest: an interim service every year or 10,000 miles averages £120-£180, while a full service with oil, filter and spark plugs runs £200-£280. The timing chain on the 1.0 TSI is designed for the life of the engine but can stretch on high-mileage examples, so listen for rattle on startup. Tyres are a recurring cost at around £50-£70 each for quality brands, and front brake pads typically need replacement every 30,000-£40,000 miles. Overall estimated annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance come in at roughly £1,950-£2,350.

Start with the rear suspension: bounce each rear corner and listen for noise, then visually inspect the coil springs for cracks or any sign the fractured spring has been replaced with a mismatched unit. Also check the front springs and dampers for any seepage, as coil spring failures can sometimes indicate harder driving or poor road conditions. Move to the brakes, inspecting pad and disc wear on all four corners — given the 2023 advisory on the rear discs, the fronts will now be approaching their first replacement if not already done.

Next, check the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from cold for any timing chain rattle, misfire or excessive vibration, as these units can suffer from water pump or thermostat housing issues around the 40,000-60,000 mile mark. Inspect the underside for any oil leaks from the cam chain area or from the sump. The common MOT failure reasons across the Polo population include tyres and engine MIL issues, so verify all four tyres have at least 3mm of tread and that no dashboard warning lights remain illuminated after startup. Finally, check the clutch for slipping under load and the manual gearbox for any crunching on selection, as clutch wear is a known expense in this age of Polo.