2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · OV59 DMZ

This 1.2-litre 60bhp petrol engine returns around 47-50 mpg in mixed driving, giving sensible fuel costs for a small car. Road tax for a Euro 5 1.2 Polo registered in 2009 is £35 per year (band 1), which is very affordable. Insurance falls in group 3-4, making this one of the cheapest Polos to insure, particularly appealing for younger or first-time buyers. Typical annual maintenance for a car of this age and mileage should be modest, though expect £150-£250 for a minor service and £250-£400 for a major service including cambelt work if due. The estimated annual running cost, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, falls in the £1,000-£1,300 range.

Replacement parts for the Polo 6R are widely available and reasonably priced through Volkswagen main dealers, pattern suppliers, or specialists. Tyres in 195/55/15 can be sourced for around £50-£70 each fitted. Brakes are inexpensive, with front pads around £40-£60 and rear drums lasting well. The 1.2 MPI engine uses regular 95-octane petrol and does not require premium fuel. One area to budget for is suspension components — front wishbones and bushes on a 16-year-old car with 60,000 miles may need attention soon, as the MOT advisories suggest.

The 2026 MOT flagged front suspension arm pin or bush wear, which should be inspected physically by rocking the wheel and checking for play. While the advisory states movement is not excessive, this component will likely need replacement in the medium term and costs around £150-£250 per side including labour. The offside front tyre wear on edge suggests a possible tracking or alignment issue, so check all four tyres for uneven wear patterns and consider a four-wheel alignment if purchasing. The handbrake travel being high indicates the rear brake adjustment needs attention — a simple adjustment but worth checking the rear drums for wear at the same time.

The rear position lamp failure (multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning) on the failed test is typically caused by failed LED board or bulb contact corrosion. If repaired by the seller, check all rear lamps function correctly. The headlamp lens defect (slight image distortion) is common on aged Polos but should be monitored — clouded lenses can be restored with a £15 kit or replaced. The windscreen wiper mechanism defect from 2023 should be confirmed as resolved. Beyond MOT findings, inspect for oil leaks around the cam chain tensioner area, water pump weepage, and coolant level — the 1.2 MPI engine is known for these issues beyond 10 years old. Check the rear arches and underbody for corrosion, as early 6R Polos can develop rust in sills and wheel arches, though this is less common than on earlier models. Verify the air conditioning system functions, as regassing costs £60-£80 if needed.