2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · YP60 LVK
2010 Volkswagen Polo (1.4L, petrol). First registered 20 Nov 2010. Recorded mileage 79,490 miles. MOT valid until 13 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2010 · Sheffield
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 79,490 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- 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.
YP60 LVK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/04/2026
- 79,490 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YP60 LVK 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 2010 Volkswagen Polo (YP60 LVK) between April 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 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: Suspension (11 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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 Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))”.
YP60 LVK Mileage History
- 12/04/202457,219 mi
- 12/04/202457,219 mi
- 03/04/202568,039 mi+10,820 mi
- 14/04/202679,489 mi+11,450 mi
- 14/04/202679,490 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 11,110 miles per year across 5 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.
Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach this 2010 Volkswagen Polo with
Given the two recent MOT failures, any purchase should be conditional on a thorough independent inspection, ideally by a VW specialist or a local garage familiar with the Polo 6R platform. Negotiate firmly on price to reflect the £300-£600 likely needed to address the shock absorbers (front and rear), suspension bushes, and brake components flagged in the 2024 and 2026 tests. Ask the seller for any invoices relating to the post-failure repairs between 2024 and 2026 — the jump from failure to pass on the same day in 2024 suggests work was done, and you need evidence of what was actually replaced versus just retested. Also request proof of timing belt replacement; on the 1.4 petrol engine this is due every 4-5 years and at 15 years old the car is well overdue if no evidence exists.
Be wary of the mileage pattern. The vehicle has covered roughly 11,000-12,000 miles per year recently (57,219 in April 2024 to 79,490 in April 2026), which is almost double the Polo model's average annual mileage of 6,004 miles. Above-average use accelerates wear on suspension, brakes, and clutch components, and the MOT history bears this out. A pre-purchase inspection should pay particular attention to the clutch feel, brake discs and pads, and any play in the front suspension. The April 2026 advisory on the seat belt buckle is a minor concern but should be checked for proper latch function; replacement is inexpensive but must be correctly tensioned.
The 1.4-litre petrol Polo typically returns 40-47 mpg in real-world driving, giving annual fuel costs of roughly £1,200-£1,500 at current prices for 8,000-10,000 miles of mixed use. Road tax falls into a reasonable bracket for a 2010 petrol of this size, though exact VED will depend on the recorded CO2 figure. Insurance for a 2010 Polo 1.4 sits in group 8-10, making it affordable for most drivers, including younger ones. Routine maintenance such as an annual service, brake fluid, and oil change typically costs £180-£280 at an independent garage.
Taking into account the above-average mileage and the MOT history showing multiple suspension and tyre issues, maintenance is likely to be on the higher side for a car of this age. Budget an additional £200-£400 per year for consumables like tyres (the 2024 test flagged multiple tyres at the legal limit) and potential brake work. Overall annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, are estimated at £1,800-£2,200 for this particular example given its condition profile.
Start with a physical inspection of the front and rear shock absorbers, as the 2024 MOT failure flagged serious fluid leaks on both front units and the offside rear, while the 2026 test noted light misting on both front units. Light misting can progress to a full failure relatively quickly, so budget for replacement within 12-24 months. Check the front lower suspension arm rear bushes by rocking each front wheel side-to-side at the bottom; the 2024 record showed wear on both sides, and worn bushes will affect handling and tyre wear. Inspect the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover on the offside front, as this was also flagged in 2024.
The April 2026 failure included a brake lever with insufficient reserve travel, which is a safety-critical issue. Test the handbrake thoroughly on a hill and check that the pedal travel feels firm and progressive. Examine all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues stemming from the worn bushes. The exhaust system was flagged as corroded in both 2024 and 2025, so get underneath and check for holes, loose mounts, or blowing joints. Finally, verify all registration plate lamps work, as both rear units were inoperative at the April 2026 test — a trivial fix but a useful negotiation point if the seller has not addressed it.
This black 1.4-litre petrol Volkswagen Polo, first registered in November 2010, has covered 79,490 miles across six recorded MOT events. Two of the last three tests resulted in failures, with shock absorber leaks, suspension bush wear, and tyre deterioration appearing repeatedly. While the most recent test (14 April 2026) was ultimately passed, the volume of advisories and the brake lever defect noted on the same day are worth scrutinising carefully. Compared with the model average MOT pass rate of 77.3%, this individual vehicle's record shows a notably higher failure rate.
The Volkswagen Polo generally has a strong reliability record with an MOT pass rate of 77.3% across nearly 672,000 analysed vehicles, though common failure points include tyres, engine management lights, and suspension components such as ball joints.
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 (YP60 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as YP60LVK.
FORD
MONDEO
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
MONDEO
FORD
MONDEO
FORD
S-MAX
FORD
TRANSIT
FORD
TRANSIT
FORD
FOCUS
FORD
FOCUS
FORD
MONDEO
FORD
TRANSIT
FORD
TRANSIT
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 2010 model year cars.
- TSI Timing Chain (EA111)Serious
Early 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 engines use a timing chain that is prone to stretching, causing rattles on cold start and risking catastrophic engine damage.
- DQ200 DSG Mechatronic FailureSerious
The 7-speed dry-clutch DQ200 gearbox can suffer mechatronic unit failure, causing erratic gear changes, loss of drive, or the gearbox entering limp mode. The accumulator piston and clutch actuator are common weak points.
- EA189 Diesel Emissions RecallModerate
The 1.2 TDI and 1.6 TDI engines were part of the "Dieselgate" EA189 emissions scandal. The software fix applied by VW has been linked by many owners to increased EGR valve failures, DPF blockages, and reduced fuel economy.
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.