2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · RF10 ADZ

The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol Polo typically returns 45-50 mpg in mixed driving, though real-world figures on a 164,848-mile example are likely to be closer to 40 mpg. Road tax for a 2010 petrol Polo of this engine size falls into a relatively low band (likely £30-£165 depending on exact CO2 rating), and insurance is generally Group 3-5, keeping premiums modest. Parts are widely available and affordable due to Polo's popularity.

Routine maintenance such as oil services, brake pads and tyres for this Polo is inexpensive at main-stream independents, but major items on a 16-year-old high-mileage car — clutch, exhaust, suspension bushes, timing belt — can add up quickly. Realistically, budget £900-£1,200 per year to keep the car roadworthy, with a contingency fund for the advisories likely to become failures.

Start with the items flagged on the November 2025 MOT: the nearside and offside rear service brakes were noted as binding, which can lead to overheating, uneven pad wear and reduced braking efficiency — have the caliper guide pins and rear drum or disc mechanism inspected. The nearside rear wheel bearing play, combined with the 2023 failure on the offside rear for excessive wheel bearing play, suggests both rear bearings may now need replacement; jack the car and rock each rear wheel to confirm.

Underneath the car, check the rear coil spring corrosion status noted in 2022 — springs weakened by corrosion can snap, particularly under load, and MOT testers are increasingly strict on this. Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start (a known 1.2 CBZA/CGPB engine issue), inspect the water pump and thermostat housing for leaks, and check the underside for exhaust corrosion around the flex joint and rear silencer. Finally, examine all four tyres for uneven inner-edge wear, which may indicate worn suspension bushes or tracking issues.