1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

256 MOT tests in 2024. 56.3% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time56.3%
Failed or needed repairs43.8%
Typical mileage at test89,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 256 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits8.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits5.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.7%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.7%
  7. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated4.3%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.9%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks33.6%
  2. Lights & electrics29.7%
  3. Brakes25.8%
  4. Body & chassis21.5%
  5. Suspension21.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  7. Tyres5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.0%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play12.5%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.4%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1993 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 56.3% of 1993 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 256 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1993 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).