Volkswagen Mk 1 golf vs Volkswagen Polo: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen Mk 1 golf
100%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Volkswagen Polo
73%
MOT pass rate · 1,167,422 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Mk 1 golf (100%) and Volkswagen Polo (73%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Mk 1 golf | Volkswagen Polo |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 100% ✓ | 73% |
| MOT failure rate | 0% ✓ | 27% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.5 ✓ | 2.0 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% ✓ | 2% |
| Average mileage | 245,990 mi | 88,804 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1 | 1,167,422 |
Most common faults
Volkswagen Mk 1 golf
- Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)
- Rear Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)
- Rear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)
Volkswagen Polo
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Mk 1 golf (100%) and Volkswagen Polo (73%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Mk 1 golf report Full Volkswagen Polo report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.