1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

136 MOT tests in 2024. 62.5% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time62.5%
Failed or needed repairs37.5%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 136 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.9%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.1%
    18 marked dangerous
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.1%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  6. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.9%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.9%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.9%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  10. Wheel bearings: has excessive play2.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension25.0%
  2. Brakes22.8%
  3. Lights & electrics14.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.5%
  5. Body & chassis11.0%
  6. Tyres8.8%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.9%
  8. Steering2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded27.9%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.3%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.6%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play15.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 62.5% of 1995 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 136 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1995 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).