Used Car Expert Fault Guides tell you the common Volkswagen Polo faults and wear items that can become problems and big bills for their owner.
Independent research indicated that using our fault guides to check a car before you buy it can save you an average of £300 in surprise bills and hidden problems.
That's because our Volkswagen Polo fault guides are written so that anyone can understand them – even if you know nothing about cars and have no tools. For every common fault, we tell you what to look for, what it means and what it costs.
Select your Volkswagen Polo fault guide:
Volkswagen Polo (1994 - 2002) Fault Guide
Volkswagen Polo (2002 - Present) Fault Guide
Volkswagen Polo (1994 - 2002) Fault Guide
We know of 20 VOLKSWAGEN Polo (1994 - 2002) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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10 engine faults
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2 suspension wear items or faults
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6 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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1 recalls
Here's an example fault on the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (1994 - 2002)
What to look for:
Look for oil leaks under the car once it has been standing for at least ten minutes. Open the bonnet and look for oil running down the front left corner (as you look at the engine) just above the alternator.
What it means:
Oil leaks can be caused by a number of components but on '96 - '99 Polos it is likely to be a head gasket failure that causes the leak.
What to do
Negotiate the repair completed. A new head gasket will cost £200 - £500.
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Volkswagen Polo (2002 - Present) Fault Guide
We know of 11 VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2002 - Present) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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5 engine faults
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2 suspension wear items or faults
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1 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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2 recalls
Here's an example fault on the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2002 - Present)
What to look for:
Check the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed on schedule. On most of the petrol engines the cam belt must be changed within 4 years or 80,000 miles.On most of the diesel engines the cam belt must be changed within 4 years or 60,000 miles. These intervals may be shorter than the manufacturer recommends, because garages recommend it is best to be cautious. N.B. The 1.2 litre engine does not have a cam belt.
What it means:
If the cam belt and associated parts (such as tensioner) have not been changed, and the mileage is over these boundaries, the cam belt is likely to fail soon. Usually the engine has to be replaced or at least re-built after a cam belt failure.
What to do
Ensure that the cam belt is changed before the car is driven anywhere if it is coming close to its interval. Changing the belt will cost £200 - £350.
Register to have full access to the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2002 - Present) fault guide.
Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.