Volkswagen Polo vs Volkswagen Type 1 beetle: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen Polo
73%
MOT pass rate · 1,167,422 vehicles
Volkswagen Type 1 beetle
68%
MOT pass rate · 9 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Polo (73%) and Volkswagen Type 1 beetle (68%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Polo | Volkswagen Type 1 beetle |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 73% ✓ | 68% |
| MOT failure rate | 27% ✓ | 32% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.8 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 1% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 88,804 mi | 77,515 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,167,422 | 9 |
Most common faults
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))
Volkswagen Type 1 beetle
- Oil leak
- Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)
- Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
- Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Polo (73%) and Volkswagen Type 1 beetle (68%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Polo report Full Volkswagen Type 1 beetle 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.