2001 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · Y811 BFS
2001 Volkswagen Polo (1.0L, petrol). First registered 26/06/2001. Recorded mileage 53,704 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20/06/2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 53,704 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 999cc
Y811 BFS Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/06/2022
- 53,704 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Y811 BFS Mileage History
- 22/06/202253,704 mi
- 22/06/202253,704 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Y811 BFS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Polo (Y811 BFS) between June 2022 and June 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 22 June 2022 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: Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (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: “Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect dip (4.1.2 (c))”; “Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution: This 2001 Volkswagen Polo presents a very high risk due to multiple major and dangerous MOT failures, including a dangerous tyre tread and inoperative parking brake; it is not recommended for purchase without extensive remedial work.
Before considering the purchase, verify the current road‑legal status: the most recent MOT (June 2022) lists a dangerous tyre tread below 1.6 mm, an inoperative parking brake on both sides and a rough wheel bearing, all of which must be rectified before the car can be driven legally. Inspect the suspension arm bushes, tyre condition, brake pipes and exhaust system for wear, corrosion or leaks, as these items have repeatedly failed in previous tests.
Negotiate a significant discount to cover the anticipated cost of replacing the tyre, servicing the parking brake, overhauling the wheel bearing and addressing the exhaust leaks. Review the service history for any documented repairs of the suspension, brake lines or exhaust, and consider a professional mechanical inspection to confirm that the engine, oil leak and other advisory items have been properly addressed.
Fuel economy for the 999 cc petrol engine is typically around 45‑50 mpg, giving an annual fuel cost of roughly £300‑£350 based on 12,000 miles of driving. The vehicle falls into a low VED band, so road tax is approximately £30‑£45 per year. Insurance for a small 1.0 L hatchback in the UK generally ranges from group 1‑2, translating to an estimated £350‑£500 annually. Typical maintenance, including tyre replacement, brake servicing and occasional suspension bush replacement, averages £300‑£500 per year. Overall, the estimated annual running cost is £800‑£1,000.
Start by examining the tyres for tread depth, especially the near‑side front tyre which has repeatedly been recorded as below the 1.6 mm legal limit; replace any worn tyres immediately. Check the parking brake mechanism on both sides, ensuring it applies at least 50 % efficiency, and inspect the wheel bearing for roughness when rotated. Look closely at the suspension arm bushes and pins, as wear in these components has been noted in every MOT test from 2016 onward, and verify that the exhaust system is free of leaks, particularly at the flexi section and silencer, which have caused major failures in 2018 and 2019. Also assess the condition of the brake pipes for corrosion, the headlamp aim and functionality, and the overall integrity of the bodywork for rust or damage.
The vehicle has accumulated 53,704 miles since its first registration in June 2001 and has undergone numerous MOT tests, with recent results showing major failures such as a dangerous tyre tread, inoperative parking brake and incorrect headlamp aim. While it passed the 2021 MOT with only advisory notes, earlier tests from 2016 to 2022 reveal recurring suspension, brake and exhaust problems. The high mileage for its age and the pattern of recurring defects suggest limited long‑term value, making it a poor investment unless the required repairs are budgeted for.
Although no aggregate reliability data exists for the Volkswagen Polo, the model's MOT history shows recurring suspension, brake and tyre issues, indicating moderate reliability concerns for this generation.
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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