1999 Volkswagen Polo · 4,860 MOT tests
1999 Volkswagen Polo reliability
1999 Volkswagen Polos fail 37.5% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 24 Polo years (4,860 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 37.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 69,875
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,860
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 29% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 11% of tests fail here (72% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 35% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.2%
- Suspension11.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11%
- Brakes9.3%
- Body, chassis and structure8.9%
- Tyres7.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.25%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.17%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.63%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.41%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.39%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 2.33%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.37%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.71%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.79%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.25%) · Wheel bearing slight play (7.94%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.33%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Polo year
The full picture: Volkswagen Polo reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Polo, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1999 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
1999 Volkswagen Polos fail 37.5% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 24 Polo years (4,860 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (3.25% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.17% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (2.63% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Volkswagen Polo shows 69,875 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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