2004 Volkswagen Polo · 52,065 MOT tests
2004 Volkswagen Polo reliability
2004 Volkswagen Polos fail 52.5% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 24 Polo years (52,065 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 52.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 94,463
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 52,065
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 12.6% of tests fail here (80% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 32% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics29.3%
- Suspension19.5%
- Body, chassis and structure15%
- Brakes14.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.8%
- Tyres9.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 9.33%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.2%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 6.57%
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 5.22%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 4.91%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 4.17%
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 (17.79%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.81%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.49%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.41%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.32%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.27%)
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 2004 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
2004 Volkswagen Polos fail 52.5% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 24 Polo years (52,065 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (9.33% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (7.2% of tests), position lamp not working (6.57% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Volkswagen Polo shows 94,463 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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