VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79,867 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
79,867
Avg Mileage
42,136 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,500
Is the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 84% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79,867 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,136 miles.
How does the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 42,136 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 sits between the two at 84%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 79,867 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 85% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 42,136 miles at 6 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO Fuel Costs
The 1598cc 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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,500 (£125/month), broken down as £905 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 2018 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
At 6 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN POLO offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 79,867 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 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:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (+7%) from 127,682 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (+5%) from 93,803 tests
- MERCEDES A (2019) 91% pass rate (+7%) from 89,588 tests
- MERCEDES A-CLASS (2017) 88% pass rate (+4%) from 82,055 tests