2008 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SA08 YCL
2008 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 25 Mar 2008. Recorded mileage 93,057 miles. MOT expired on 27 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 93,057 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
SA08 YCL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/10/2025
- 93,057 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SA08 YCL 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 (SA08 YCL) between August 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 20 October 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: Suspension (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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 Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
SA08 YCL Mileage History
- 14/08/202381,087 mi
- 16/08/202381,087 mi
- 21/10/202487,276 mi+6,189 mi
- 28/10/202487,276 mi
- 20/10/202593,057 mi+5,781 mi
Average of roughly 5,480 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
The primary concern for this vehicle is the August 2023 failure regarding the nearside rear integral body structure (sill) corrosion. You must request documented evidence or invoices proving this structural repair was carried out professionally. If no proof of repair exists, the vehicle may still possess structural weaknesses.
Additionally, the MOT history shows a persistent trend of suspension wear, including ball joints and bushes. Check the service history for any comprehensive suspension overhauls. Negotiate the purchase price to account for the current advisories regarding the offside front ball joint play and the worn tyre, both of which will require immediate attention.
The 1.2L petrol engine is designed for efficiency, typically offering low fuel consumption for urban driving. Insurance groups for the 2008 Polo are generally low, making it an affordable option for new or young drivers.
Annual maintenance costs may be higher than average for this model due to the recurring suspension issues seen in the MOT records. Between fuel, road tax, insurance, and the likely need for suspension components and tyres, the annual cost is estimated to be moderate.
Carefully inspect the nearside rear sill area to ensure the corrosion noted in 2023 has been properly remediated and not simply covered with filler. Check the offside front suspension for movement and inspect the tyre tread depth, as these were flagged as advisories in the October 2025 test.
Examine the headlamp lenses for the deterioration and 'product' mentioned in the 2023 and 2024 records, and ensure the beams are correctly aimed. Finally, check for any signs of exhaust leaks or warning lights on the dashboard, referencing the 2024 failure for Lambda readings.
This 2008 black Volkswagen Polo 1.2L has recorded 93,057 miles. The MOT history is marked by a failure in August 2023 due to significant sill corrosion and brake binding, alongside multiple failures and advisories related to suspension components. The most recent test in October 2025 passed but highlighted ongoing issues with the offside front ball joint and tyre wear.
The Polo has an average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, with ball joints listed as a top failure reason, a pattern that is clearly evident in this specific vehicle's history.
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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