How much does a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?

The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 1,681 tests in 2026. This ranks 238 out of 340 cars from 1998.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN POLO is most reliable?

The 2022 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 67%.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO (1998)

Q: Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,681 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?

The average mileage for a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is 68,113 miles, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,681 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1896cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1896cc28 years old1,681 tests68k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1896cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1896cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 28 years old, 71% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,681 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,113 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars238th of 340(top 70%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models988th of 1,118(top 88%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average-4%(75% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,113

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 68,113 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 SERIES

2000 · 1951cc Diesel

£1,727/year

77%

+6%

FIAT DUCATO

1999 · 1905cc Diesel

£1,727/year

72%

+1%

FORD FIESTA

1998 · 1753cc Diesel

£1,927/year

65%

-6%

MERCEDES C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£1,900/year

81%

+10%

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About the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO

The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 1,681 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 68,113 miles at 28 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.

1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO Fuel Costs

The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO

At 28 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN POLO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(1998)	71%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
BMW 3 SERIES(2000)	77%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
FIAT DUCATO(1999)	72%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
FORD FIESTA(1998)	65%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1927+£70
MERCEDES C(1997)	81%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£1900+£43

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.