2008 Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Petrol · SM08 XPR
2008 Volkswagen Polo (1.2L, petrol). First registered 16 Jun 2008. Recorded mileage 134,764 miles. MOT valid until 12 Apr 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 134,764 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
SM08 XPR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 03/04/2026
- 134,764 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SM08 XPR 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 (SM08 XPR) between March 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 April 2026 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: Lighting (11 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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 Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt lower ball joint. (5.3.”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”; “Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))”.
SM08 XPR Mileage History
- 08/03/2024122,714 mi
- 13/03/2025130,814 mi+8,100 mi
- 14/04/2025130,872 mi+58 mi
- 30/03/2026134,762 mi+3,890 mi
- 03/04/2026134,764 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 5,824 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N/9N3)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
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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 2008 model year cars.
- Electro-Hydraulic Steering PumpSerious
The electro-hydraulic power steering pump (TRW or KOYO) or its wiring loom can fail, leading to intermittent or total loss of steering assistance.
- Timing Chain Rattle (1.2 TSI)Serious
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine uses a timing chain that stretches over time, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start. If the chain jumps, it can cause catastrophic valve and piston damage.
- Front Wishbone Bush WearModerate
The front lower wishbone bushes perish prematurely, causing vague steering, knocking noises over bumps and uneven tyre wear.
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