2003 Volkswagen Polo · 42,979 MOT tests
2003 Volkswagen Polo reliability
2003 Volkswagen Polos fail 52.6% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 24 Polo years (42,979 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 52.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 93,448
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 42,979
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 26% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 14.5% of tests fail here (105% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 38% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics29.7%
- Suspension20.2%
- Brakes14.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks14.5%
- Body, chassis and structure12.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10%
- Tyres9.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 9.11%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 6.34%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.66%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.64%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 4.71%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 4.12%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.56%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.77%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.05%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.77%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (8.53%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.84%)
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 2003 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
2003 Volkswagen Polos fail 52.6% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 24 Polo years (42,979 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (9.11% of tests), position lamp not working (6.34% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.66% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Volkswagen Polo shows 93,448 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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