VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 75,894 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,480
£123/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1199cc Diesel
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1480/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1199cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 13 years old, 79% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 75,894 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,217 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,217
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 74,217 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2013 sits between the two at 79%.
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
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About the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
The 2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a city car with a 1199cc diesel engine. 75,894 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 74,217 miles at 13 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO Fuel Costs
The modest 1199cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. 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 2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,480 (£123/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
At 13 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 75,894 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN POLO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 2013 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(2013) | 79% | £905 | £20 | Grp 5-15 | £1480 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£35 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2012) | 78% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£10 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£35 |
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.
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