1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

352 MOT tests in 2024. 59.7% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time59.7%
Failed or needed repairs40.3%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 352 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.5%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.0%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.7%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.7%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  9. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.6%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    19 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics18.2%
  2. Suspension17.6%
  3. Brakes16.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.6%
  5. Body & chassis12.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.2%
  7. Tyres8.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.2%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play13.4%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.4%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1997 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 59.7% of 1997 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 352 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).