2001 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · Y164 BAV
2001 Volkswagen Polo (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2001. Recorded mileage 129,949 miles. MOT expired on 02 Feb 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Feb 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 129,949 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
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.
Y164 BAV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/01/2025
- 129,949 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y164 BAV 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 2001 Volkswagen Polo (Y164 BAV) between January 2023 and January 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 31 January 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 (7 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases rear box/centre join (6.1.2 (a))”; “Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))”.
Y164 BAV Mileage History
- 26/01/2023124,450 mi
- 25/01/2024127,117 mi+2,667 mi
- 31/01/2024127,126 mi+9 mi
- 22/01/2025129,919 mi+2,793 mi
- 31/01/2025129,949 mi+30 mi
Average of roughly 2,730 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
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 extreme caution given the a
When inspecting this vehicle, focus heavily on the suspension and braking systems. The 2024 MOT records highlighted worn lower suspension arm bushes and corroded brake pipes, which are common areas of concern for a vehicle of this vintage. Ensure these components have been replaced rather than just patched up, as corrosion on brake lines can be a recurring safety issue.
Furthermore, check the exhaust system thoroughly. The vehicle failed its 2025 MOT due to major leaks at the rear box and centre join. Given the recurring nature of these faults in the history, verify the integrity of the entire exhaust run. Ask to see invoices for any parts fitted since the 2025 test to confirm that professional repairs were carried out.
As a 1.4-litre petrol model, this Polo falls into a moderate insurance group for its class, though its age may limit the number of insurers willing to provide comprehensive cover. Fuel economy for this generation of engine is generally acceptable for city driving, but you should budget for higher-than-average maintenance costs due to the vehicle's age and the likelihood of needing replacement parts for legacy components.
Annual running costs are estimated between £1,100 and £1,400. This estimate accounts for fuel, road tax, and the high probability of requiring unscheduled repairs or replacement parts for ageing systems such as the suspension, exhaust, and braking components.
Pay close attention to the tyres and lighting systems. The 2025 MOT failure noted multiple under-inflated tyres, and the 2024 test highlighted various lighting failures, including indicators and registration plate lamps. Ensure all bulbs are functional and that the tyres are of a reputable brand with adequate tread depth.
Additionally, check for evidence of oil leaks, which were noted in the 2024 inspection. Inspect the engine bay and the area beneath the car for fresh oil spots. Test the windscreen washers and wipers, as these were flagged as faulty in previous tests, and ensure the headlight aim is correct, as this has been an issue in the past.
This 2001 Volkswagen Polo has covered 129,949 miles, which is significantly higher than the average for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of recurring issues, including exhaust leaks, suspension wear, and brake component degradation. While it passed its most recent test in January 2025, the volume of failures in the 2024 test suggests that this vehicle is prone to age-related mechanical fatigue.
The Volkswagen Polo (2001 era) is generally considered a robust platform, though aggregate data shows that ageing examples frequently struggle with tyre, ball joint, and engine management light failures.
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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