Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Volkswagen Polo (Mk5, 2009-2017) - What should you look for?

The Polo’s reputation for quality is undermined by a poor showing in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys

Buyers young and old are attracted to the Volkswagen Polo for its premium image and solid reputation. Despite this, the Mk5 Polo failed to shine in our annual Driver Power satisfaction surveys.

Common used Volkswagen Polo problems

Airbag

Not all models have a front passenger airbag that can be switched off, so if you carry small children in the front of the car, make sure you find a Polo with this feature.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Exhaust

Particulate filters in the exhaust can get clogged on diesels that aren’t driven often, so consider buying a petrol-powered model if you don’t cover that many miles a year. 

Headlamps

Some owners have found the headlight lenses on their cars have been heat-damaged by the daytime running lights being on for long periods of time.

Brake discs

Check that the brake discs aren’t worn or warped by feeling for juddering under braking. Some owners have found that the discs wear quickly on their Polos.

Recalls

There have been five recalls for the Polo Mk5, including one for the emissions problem that has affected many 1.6 TDI VWs. The first campaign was in December 2014 because a cracked filter could lead to fuel leaks. Two months later some cars were recalled because of the possibility of an airbag going off for no reason.

In August 2015 some Polos were recalled because the front seats could fail in a collision. The last campaign was in June 2016 because the child locks on the rear doors could fail.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025