2021 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · SF21 ABH
2021 Volkswagen Polo (1.0L, petrol). First registered 21 Aug 2021. Recorded mileage 31,016 miles. MOT valid until 19 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2021 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 31,016 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 6)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- 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.
SF21 ABH Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/01/2026
- 31,016 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SF21 ABH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2021 Volkswagen Polo (SF21 ABH) between January 2025 and January 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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: “Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”.
SF21 ABH Mileage History
- 14/01/202521,244 mi
- 20/01/202521,359 mi+115 mi
- 14/01/202631,016 mi+9,657 mi
Average of roughly 9,782 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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: Good
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.
Digital Service History
Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for SF21ABH.
Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records
Check franchised dealer maintenance history for SF21ABH. Our direct integration verifies routine service events, workshop operations, recorded mileage, and technician logs.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2021 Volkswagen Polo is a sensible
Begin negotiations knowing the front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit on both sides as recently as January 2025. Even if they were replaced shortly after that test, tyres of any age can degrade, so inspect the current tread depth carefully and budget for replacements if the rubber is approaching 3mm. The failed windscreen washer is a relatively minor electrical issue, but check that it is functioning correctly on both front and rear washers, and inspect the wiper blades for streaking which can suggest the system has been neglected.
Request evidence of any work carried out between the January 2025 failure and the subsequent pass, particularly regarding the washer system. As this is a 1.0-litre TSI petrol Polo, ask about any timing chain or coolant system work — these are known concerns on early TSI engines and should be checked regardless of MOT data. Confirm whether the vehicle has a full Volkswagen service history, ideally with stamp evidence from an authorised dealer, as this will support resale value and warranty considerations for any remaining cover.
The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine in this Polo typically returns 47-52 mpg in real-world driving, making it one of the more economical superminis on offer. Road tax is likely to be around £190-£200 per year given its Euro 6 AP status and CO2 output of approximately 110-120 g/km, depending on the exact trim. Insurance should fall into group 8-10, making it relatively affordable for new drivers and younger buyers, with annual premiums typically ranging from £400-£700 depending on the driver's profile.
Routine maintenance is generally inexpensive, with standard services costing £150-£250 at an independent garage. The annual MOT is a known cost, and tyres for a Polo typically run £60-£100 per corner depending on specification. Combining fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, expect annual running costs of approximately £1,400-£1,800 for a moderate driver covering around 7,000 miles per year.
Given the January 2025 MOT failure, pay particular attention to the front tyre shoulders and edges, as both sides were recorded as worn on edge — this can indicate misalignment, suspension wear, or aggressive driving habits. Have the wheel alignment checked during your inspection, and inspect the front suspension components including wishbones, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes for any play or damage. Although not flagged on the MOT, the model's aggregate data shows ball joint failure as a top-three MOT failure reason across all Polos, so manually check for play in the front suspension joints.
Inspect the windscreen washer system thoroughly, testing both front and rear jets for proper operation and adequate spray pattern. Check the washer fluid reservoir for cracks and confirm the pump is functioning correctly. Beyond the MOT data, inspect the TSI engine for any signs of oil consumption by checking the dipstick and the underside of the engine for leaks. The coolant expansion tank should be inspected for signs of stress whitening or leaks, as early TSI units can suffer from thermostat and water pump issues. Finally, verify the timing chain condition by listening for any rattle on a cold start, as this is a documented concern on higher-mileage 1.0 TSI engines.
Registered in August 2021, this 999cc petrol Polo has covered 31,016 miles across three MOT tests, equating to roughly 7,000 miles per year — moderately above the model average of 6,004. Two of the three tests have been clean passes, with the only recorded failure occurring in January 2025 for front tyre wear and a non-functioning windscreen washer. The follow-up test six days later passed with only a tyre edge advisory, suggesting the mechanical issues were addressed. Given the Polo's 77.3% pass rate across nearly 672,000 vehicles analysed, this specific example sits broadly in line with the model's typical performance.
The Volkswagen Polo has an MOT pass rate of 77.3% across 671,964 vehicles analysed, placing it broadly in the middle of the supermini reliability rankings. The most common failure points are tyres, engine MIL (management light) issues, and ball joint wear, which are typical concerns for a car of this size and class.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (SF21 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as SF21ABH.
MG
ZS EXCITE EV
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN ACTIVE TSI
HYUNDAI
I10 SE CONNECT MPI
HYUNDAI
I20 SE CONNECT MHEV T-GDI
FORD
PUMA ST-LINE VIGNALE MHEV
MERCEDES-BENZ
A
NISSAN
QASHQAI
FORD
TRANSIT COURIER
FORD
KUGA ST-LINE PHEV CVT
FORD
TRANSIT 290 TREND ECOBLUE
VOLKSWAGEN
ID3 STYLE
VAUXHALL
MOKKA ELITE NAV PREMIUM TURBO
VOLKSWAGEN POLO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2021 model year cars.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.