2000 · 24 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2000 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

2,471 MOT tests in 2024. 55.4% passed first time, compared with 61.5% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time55.4%
Failed or needed repairs44.6%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,471 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.5%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.5%
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.5%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.0%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    124 marked dangerous
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.9%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.7%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics33.3%
  2. Brakes23.3%
  3. Emissions & leaks17.2%
  4. Suspension14.9%
  5. Body & chassis10.8%
  6. Tyres9.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine25.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.2%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2000 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 55.4% of 2000 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,471 tests. The average for all 24-year-old cars was 61.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2000 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2000 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).