1991 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1991 Volkswagen Polo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1991 Volkswagen Polo than on all cars registered in 1991.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  20.9% All 1991 cars

  11.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.6% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  16.1% All 1991 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.3% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Flexible brake hoses2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  11.6% All 1991 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Front strut mounts and bushes13× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  5.2% All 1991 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Battery3.1× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  6.8% All 1991 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 1991 Volkswagen Polo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  19% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Volkswagen Polo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1991 Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1991 Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1991 Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?