VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 12,081 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
12,081
Avg Mileage
96,635 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,690
Is the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 68% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 12,081 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,635 miles.
How does the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 96,635 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2002 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2002 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 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
The 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a small family car with a 1400cc diesel engine. 12,081 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 96,635 miles at 22 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO Fuel Costs
The 1400cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,690 (£141/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
At 22 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%. With 12,081 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2004) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 39,183 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2003) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 31,803 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2004) 72% pass rate (+4%) from 20,938 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2004) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 15,813 tests