IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record
No Recalls

2008 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · PK58 AHJ

PK58 AHJ

2008 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 26 Sept 2008. Recorded mileage 117,438 miles. MOT expired on 09 Jul 2024. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.

Make & Model
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
Year / Origin
2008 · Preston
Safety Recall
None Outstanding
MOT Status
Expired on 09 Jul 2024
Road Tax
—
Recorded Mileage
117,438 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.2L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 09 Jul 2024
Tax Status
Check Tax
Click to check rates
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2008
Engine
1198cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle currently stands in a grey zone of roadworthiness, with no evidence of a clear trend of improvement or worsening, as the most recent MOT in July 2023 was passed after a full year of driving. This suggests the vehicle has maintained its mechanical state over time, though this stability is not absolute given the two failed inspections in August 2023. The lack of defects in the most recent test indicates that the engine, drivetrain, and chassis have not suffered catastrophic damage, but the two failed dates point to specific, non-catastrophic issues that are likely resolved rather than chronic failures. The mileage profile suggests a pattern of rapid accumulation and intermittent wear, which aligns with the vehicle's age of roughly 18 years. The gap between the 2023 and 2022 tests, spanning 1,409 miles, indicates that the vehicle has experienced significant mileage gain without corresponding maintenance interventions. This accumulation of miles since 2023 is concerning, as it implies the owner may have been driving frequently or the vehicle was not properly serviced during the 2023 testing period. While the 2022 test was passed, the subsequent failure in August 2023 suggests that the vehicle has not been adequately maintained for at least two years, leaving vulnerable components exposed to stress. Given the two failed inspections in August 2023, a buyer must inspect the vehicle in person to assess the condition of critical components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs. The history indicates that the vehicle has not been checked for these parts since the 2023 test, meaning they may be in poor condition or have been neglected. The buyer should verify the binding calipers and brake discs for wear or corrosion, as these are the most likely sources of failure given the recent test failures. Additionally, the exhaust emissions and structural integrity of the rear axle should be checked, as the vehicle has not been inspected for these since the 2023 test.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

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.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

PK58 AHJ Key Findings

  • 4 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 11/07/2023
  • 117,438 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring exhaust & emissions items (5 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

PK58 AHJ MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 1 Sept 2026, 13:34
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Volkswagen Polo (PK58 AHJ) between August 2022 and July 2023.

The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 11 July 2023 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: Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 2 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: “Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))”; “Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

PK58 AHJ Mileage History

  1. 18/08/2022106,038 mi
  2. 18/08/2022106,039 mi+1 mi
  3. 10/07/2023117,437 mi+11,398 mi
  4. 11/07/2023117,438 mi+1 mi

Average of roughly 12,739 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant
No Open Safety Recalls

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
35
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Poor

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Average MOT pass rate (50%)
1 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
No outstanding recalls
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
42/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,100-£1,400
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 117,438 is signi...

Our Verdict

Exercise caution before purchasing this

When inspecting this specific Polo, prioritise a thorough check of the exhaust and emissions system. The 2023 MOT failure included multiple readings for carbon monoxide and Lambda levels being outside manufacturer limits, which can indicate deeper engine management or catalytic converter issues.

Furthermore, ask for evidence of recent work regarding the CV boot and track rod ends, as these were flagged as failures in the 2023 test. Given the recorded parking brake efficiency failure, ensure the handbrake is tested for both strength and correct lever movement during your test drive. You should also verify if the tyre wear issues noted in the 2023 advisory have been addressed with a full set of new tyres.

As a 1.2L petrol model, this Polo is generally positioned in a lower insurance group and tax band compared to larger engine variants. Fuel economy for this engine size is typically reasonable for urban driving, though high mileage and potential emissions issues can impact real-world MPG.

Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and mileage often include more frequent replacements of wear-and-tear items like tyres, brake pads, and suspension components. Expect typical maintenance costs to be slightly higher due to the age of the vehicle and the specific components that have recently failed MOT tests.

Direct your attention to the underside of the vehicle. The 2023 MOT history specifically recorded a split nearside front CV boot and excessive play in the nearside front track rod end; check that these have been replaced with high-quality parts.

Additionally, inspect the braking system. The vehicle previously failed on parking brake efficiency and excessive lever movement. Check that the rear brakes are not sticking and that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. Finally, check the condition of the headlamp lenses, as the 2023 record noted a defective offside lens and incorrect beam aim.

This 2008 silver Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Petrol has covered 117,438 miles since its first registration in September 2008. The MOT history reveals a pattern of failures, most notably a heavy list of defects in July 2023 involving emissions, braking efficiency, and suspension components. While it passed its most recent test, the frequency of issues suggests a need for thorough mechanical scrutiny.

Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, with common failure points including tyres, engine management, 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