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1

The car at a glance

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 pre-facelift (6R / 6C)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Example of this model

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 pre-facelift (2009–2014)

factory type code 6R / 6C · engine code CAYA, CAYB, CAYC (EA189; not AW EA288)

  • 1.6 TDI common-rail, 75/90/105 PS Diesel
  • Manual / Automatic

This Volkswagen Polo is a small diesel hatchback best suited to regular longer journeys. The 2009–2014 comes with a manual or automatic gearbox. Check service history, campaign completion, , exhaust system, , and gearbox condition.

2

Reliability rating

57
/ 100
Check carefully

Fuel savings can be erased by , (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine) or (VW's automatic gearbox) repairs, especially on short-trip cars. This score is an editorial view of your buying risk. It is not a measured failure percentage.

Concern for this year/engine: 2009–2011: Early injector and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine) reports are strongest. Look for documented repairs, not assurances they all fail or are all fixed.
Concern for this year/engine: 2012–2014: Later cars still need injector/DPF (diesel particulate filter, which traps soot) checks, campaign status and timing-belt evidence. The facelift moved to other diesel engines.

Typical lifespan: 250,000–300,000 km is possible. Emissions-system and expenditure often matters before engine wear.

This is a general assessment of this model and engine, not a guarantee of this individual car's condition.

3

Common problems to look out for

valve and cooler faults

Risk: High

The issue to check is (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine) valve/cooler failure. Soot deposits and or cooler faults can cause loss of power. Early (diesel engine family code) cars are well represented in reports. That does not establish every later failure was caused by the emissions update.

Warning signs
  • Glow-plug or engine light
  • Hesitation
  • Limp mode (reduced-power safety mode)
Estimated repair
€550–€1,300
What to look out for
Read fault codes and check loss. Ask for itemised (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine)/cooler invoices.

Diesel failure

Risk: High

The issue to check is common-rail (diesel injection using a shared high-pressure fuel supply) failure. (diesel engine family code) injector complaints are particularly associated with early cars, although later failures occur. Price is for diagnosis and one injector at the low end to several at the high end.

Warning signs
  • Hard starting
  • Diesel knock
  • Shaking and engine warnings
Estimated repair
€450–€2,400
What to look out for
Get balance/leak-off testing and invoice details including coding.

and trouble

Risk: High

The issue to check is (diesel particulate filter, which traps soot) loading, and interrupted regenerations. Repeated short trips can prevent (the filter burning off trapped soot). Pressure/temperature sensor faults and (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine) issues can create the same symptoms. Cleaning cost is not the same as replacing a filter.

Warning signs
  • Frequent high idle and fan operation
  • DPF (diesel particulate filter, which traps soot) warning
  • Rising oil level
Estimated repair
€250–€1,800
What to look out for
Scan soot/ash estimates and pressure readings. Check driving history and that the filter has not been removed.

, pump and leaks

Risk: High

The issue to check is , and leaks. No belt evidence warrants preventive attention. Pump leakage is reported on early cars. The estimate is planned belt/pump work, not damage after belt failure.

Warning signs
  • Missing belt invoice
  • Pink coolant deposits
  • Falling coolant level
Estimated repair
€600–€1,100
What to look out for
Check (vehicle identification number)-specific interval and pressure-test leaks.

Automatic gearbox and control faults

Risk: High

The issue to check is (seven-speed dry- gearbox code) dry-clutch DSG (VW's automatic gearbox) judder or (combined electronic and hydraulic gearbox control) faults. The seven-speed automatic has dry clutches (not running in oil). You may find worn clutches or faults in its hydraulic or electronic controls. Do not apply a blanket 60,000 km oil-service rule for a wet-clutch DSG (VW's automatic gearbox) to this gearbox.

Warning signs
  • Judder pulling away
  • Delayed reverse
  • Flashing gear display
Estimated repair
€900–€3,500
What to look out for
Test cold and hot, reverse uphill and stop-start manoeuvres. Get a gearbox scan and repair history.

Air-conditioning leaks or pump failure

Risk: Medium

The issue to check is air-conditioning leak or compressor failure. Early cars have compressor-failure reports. Refrigerant loss may instead mean a leaking condenser or pipe. Do not assume a recharge fixes it.

Warning signs
  • Warm air
  • Compressor noise
  • Repeated regassing
Estimated repair
€150–€1,100
What to look out for
Check vent temperature and demand leak diagnosis if refrigerant has recently been topped up.
4

Questions to ask the seller

Tick them off as you talk. 0/6 asked.

5

Running and repair costs

Routine servicing / year
€250–€500
Average
Fuel economy
Approximately 4.2–5.2 L/100 km (54–67 mpg imperial).
Low
Unexpected repair risk
Common repairs
High
Unexpected repairs (if they happen)
  • valve and cooler faults€550–€1,300
  • Diesel failure€450–€2,400
  • and trouble€250–€1,800
  • , pump and leaks€600–€1,100
  • Automatic gearbox and control faults€900–€3,500
  • Air-conditioning leaks or pump failure€150–€1,100
6

Final verdict

The good
  • Mechanics generally know this layout well
  • You get useful space in a small car
  • A good example can still be affordable for you to maintain
The concerns
  • Gaps in the history can hide expensive work you may need to pay for
  • A current does not guarantee the mechanical condition
Our verdict
Check carefully

With a score of 57/100, check this car carefully before you buy. Fuel savings can be erased by , (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine) or (VW's automatic gearbox) repairs, especially on short-trip cars.

Always check this car's actual condition and maintenance history — ideally with an independent inspection.