Used Volkswagen Polo

What to know before buying: Volkswagen Polo

From 3 video reviews · updated 26/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2009–2017 Polo has a polished cabin, logical controls, good visibility and a comfortable, refined motorway manner.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• The 2014–2017 model has a practical boot with an adjustable floor and a flat load area, but rear knee room is tight and three adults will be cramped.[3]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• The 2014–2017 Polo is easy to drive, with well-weighted controls, good visibility, a comfortable ride and little wind noise, though it is not especially entertaining.[3]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• In 2020, the second-generation Russian Polo changed from a saloon to a liftback; the source considers the body-style change beneficial overall.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

Typical faults

• On some 2009–2017 Polos with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, timing-chain failure has caused major engine damage.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017

  1.2 petrol

• The pre-2015 GTI's 1.4-litre twincharger engine caused owners numerous reliability problems and was subsequently discontinued.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017

  1.4 twincharger GTI

• On the Russian liftback, the DQ200 clutch pack can cause shift jolts, reverse vibration and a lurch when moving off from 35,000–40,000 km.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

  35 000–40 000 km · 1.4 TSI CZCA

• For the plastic water pump with two thermostats fitted to every Russian-liftback engine, lasting 80,000–90,000 km is already considered fortunate.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

  80 000–90 000 km · 1.4 TSI CZCA, 1.6 CWVA, 1.6 CWVB

• Russian-liftback engines can develop progressively higher oil consumption, attributed mainly to stuck piston rings, with leaks also contributing.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

  1.4 TSI CZCA, 1.6 CWVA, 1.6 CWVB

• Russian liftbacks with the 1.4 TSI have suffered oil-pressure control-valve failures at 50,000–150,000 km, signalled by an EPC light under stronger acceleration.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

  50 000–150 000 km · 1.4 TSI CZCA

Which engine and version to take

• For the 2009–2017 model, both sources recommend the 90 hp 1.2-litre turbo petrol as a nippy, economical choice with a good overall balance.[2][3]Polo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• For the Russian liftback, the 1.6 CWVA with the six-speed AQ160 torque-converter automatic is the safer automatic choice, provided its oil is changed regularly.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

What to avoid

• Avoid the pre-2015 1.4 twincharger GTI if reliability is the priority: owners reported numerous problems and Volkswagen ultimately discontinued the engine.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• The Russian liftback's 1.4 TSI CZCA with the dry DQ200 is the riskiest combination, with early clutch wear, mechatronic faults and a sticking turbo wastegate linkage reported.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback
• The 2014–2017 naturally aspirated 1.0 with 75 hp is economical but not recommended because of weak performance; the entry-level 60 hp version is slower still.[3]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017

What to check at the inspection

• For a 2009–2017 car, look for evidence of regular, ideally annual servicing and establish when the timing belt was last replaced.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• On the test drive, check that the air conditioning blows cold, the brakes do not judder and the clutch feels strong without slipping.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• Inspect the body and wheels carefully because town-driven superminis commonly acquire scrapes, scratches and wheel damage.[2]one sourcePolo generation sold from 2009 to 2017
• On a Russian liftback with DQ200, check for shift and take-off jolts plus reverse vibration; adaptation or an oil change will not cure a worn clutch pack.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback
• Test the Russian 1.4 TSI under meaningful acceleration: an EPC light or loss of power can indicate an oil-pressure valve or turbo wastegate actuator fault.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback
• On the Russian liftback, check the oil level, camshaft-seal leaks and cooling system because rising oil consumption and short water-pump life have been reported.[1]one sourceSecond-generation Russian Polo liftback

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]АВТО ПЛЮС — Вот в этих моментах нужно быть аккуратным при выборе Volkswagen Polo 6 | Подержанные автомобили · ▶ video
2. [2]CarGurus UK — Used Car Review: Volkswagen Polo · ▶ video
3. [3]carwow — Volkswagen Polo 2014-2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews · ▶ video

Spotted an error? Tell us