CarCostCheck

VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2021)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 12,920 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

93%

Total Tests (2024)

12,920

Avg Mileage

22,309 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,350

Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 3 years old, 93% of VOLKSWAGEN POLOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 12,920 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 22,309 miles.

How does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO compare?

Rank among all 2021 cars1428th out of 3,373(top 42%)
Rank among all VOLKSWAGEN models228th out of 1,118(top 20%)
vs national average+11% (82% avg)
vs 2021 cars average+1% (92% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average+8% (85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO has 22,309 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-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 2021 sits between the two at 93%.

How much does a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)
£905
🏛️Road Tax
£190
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£1,350
Per month£113/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202384%10633,452 mi
202295%41320,300 mi
202193%12,92022,309 mi
202092%27,02028,541 mi
201989%65,75135,212 mi
201884%79,86742,136 mi
201784%80,36048,515 mi
201684%92,86055,959 mi
201582%94,12962,780 mi
201480%81,83169,477 mi
201379%75,89474,217 mi
201278%73,36680,312 mi
201175%79,72185,976 mi
201074%75,71590,330 mi
200971%44,90889,112 mi
200870%49,57594,775 mi
200770%45,46397,013 mi
200668%39,76699,533 mi
200568%30,50799,509 mi
200467%26,290100,124 mi
200367%21,16698,247 mi
200268%12,08196,635 mi
200171%7,35988,668 mi
200071%4,80092,133 mi
199975%2,80874,358 mi
199871%1,68168,113 mi
199772%1,20173,181 mi
199670%1,13977,130 mi
199573%36183,075 mi
199471%51180,048 mi
199369%81992,842 mi
199276%61691,991 mi
199174%78991,515 mi
199075%48283,845 mi

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About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO

The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 12,920 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 22,309 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2021 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).

What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,350 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO

At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 12,920 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Alternatives to the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO

The VOLKSWAGEN POLO is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel small family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: