2005 Volkswagen Polo · 58,788 MOT tests
2005 Volkswagen Polo reliability
2005 Volkswagen Polos fail 52.1% of first MOT tests, 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 24 Polo years (58,788 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2005 Volkswagen Polo?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 52.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 94,624
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 58,788
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 15.7% of tests fail here (87% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 24% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics29.2%
- Suspension18.6%
- Body, chassis and structure15.7%
- Brakes13.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.9%
- Tyres8.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 8.04%
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 7.89%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 6.01%
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 4.63%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 4.35%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Stop lamp not working 3.55%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.67%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.86%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.81%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (8.31%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.98%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (5.42%)
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 2005 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
2005 Volkswagen Polos fail 52.1% of first MOT tests, 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 24 Polo years (58,788 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (8.04% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (7.89% of tests), position lamp not working (6.01% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Volkswagen Polo shows 94,624 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Check a 2005 Volkswagen Polo free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.