VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 80,360 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
80,360
Avg Mileage
48,515 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,550
Is the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 7 years old, 84% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 80,360 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,515 miles.
How does the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 48,515 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2017 sits between the two at 84%.
How much does a 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO cost to run?
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 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a city car with a 1197cc petrol engine. 80,360 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 76% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 48,515 miles at 7 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO Fuel Costs
The modest 1197cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,550 (£129/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% 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 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 80,360 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2015) 81% pass rate (-3%) from 225,575 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-6%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2015) 85% pass rate (+1%) from 129,337 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (+2%) from 100,176 tests