VOLKSWAGEN POLO (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 789 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
789
Avg Mileage
91,515 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 33 years old, 74% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 789 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,515 miles.
How does the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 91,515 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1991 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN POLO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 84% | 106 | 33,452 mi |
| 2022 | 95% | 413 | 20,300 mi |
| 2021 | 93% | 12,920 | 22,309 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 27,020 | 28,541 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 65,751 | 35,212 mi |
| 2018 | 84% | 79,867 | 42,136 mi |
| 2017 | 84% | 80,360 | 48,515 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 92,860 | 55,959 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 94,129 | 62,780 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 81,831 | 69,477 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 75,894 | 74,217 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 73,366 | 80,312 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 79,721 | 85,976 mi |
| 2010 | 74% | 75,715 | 90,330 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 44,908 | 89,112 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 49,575 | 94,775 mi |
| 2007 | 70% | 45,463 | 97,013 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 39,766 | 99,533 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 30,507 | 99,509 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 26,290 | 100,124 mi |
| 2003 | 67% | 21,166 | 98,247 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 12,081 | 96,635 mi |
| 2001 | 71% | 7,359 | 88,668 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 4,800 | 92,133 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 2,808 | 74,358 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 1,681 | 68,113 mi |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,201 | 73,181 mi |
| 1996 | 70% | 1,139 | 77,130 mi |
| 1995 | 73% | 361 | 83,075 mi |
| 1994 | 71% | 511 | 80,048 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 819 | 92,842 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 616 | 91,991 mi |
| 1991 | 74% | 789 | 91,515 mi |
| 1990 | 75% | 482 | 83,845 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a small family car with a 1272cc petrol engine. 789 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 91,515 miles at 33 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO Fuel Costs
The 1272cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN POLO Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN POLOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
At 33 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN POLO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Alternatives to the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 2,886 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+11%) from 2,672 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 1,931 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (+4%) from 1,798 tests