Volkswagen Polo (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,681 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,327

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1896cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,327/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

£1,397

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,327

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

71% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Polos from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 1,681 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,113 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models227th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models963rd of 1,086(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

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

vs Volkswagen average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,113

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volkswagen Polo had 68,113 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1998 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,327/year

77%

+6%

Ford Fiesta

1998 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-6%

Mercedes C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£2,456/year

81%

+10%

Peugeot 206

2000 · 1997cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-6%

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About the 1998 Volkswagen Polo

The 1998 Volkswagen Polo is a family car. Our records list a 1896cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,681 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 68,113 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,327 (£194/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Polo(1998)	71%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327
BMW 3 Series(2000)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327same
Ford Fiesta(1998)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527+£200
Mercedes C(1997)	81%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,456+£129
Peugeot 206(2000)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Polo

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Polo reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1998 Volkswagen Polos ended in a pass, from 1,681 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volkswagen Polo cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,327 a year (£194 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volkswagen Polo?

71% of 1,681 MOT tests on the 1998 Volkswagen Polo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 227th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen Polo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2003 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Volkswagen Polo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volkswagen Polo is 68,113 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.