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1

The car at a glance

Volkswagen Polo Mk6 pre-facelift (AW)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Example of this model

Volkswagen Polo Mk6 pre-facelift (2017–2020)

factory type code AW · engine code DGTC/DGTD/DGTE depending output, market and build; verify VIN

  • 1.6 TDI EA288, 80/95 PS Diesel
  • Manual / Automatic

This Polo is a diesel small-car buy. The 2017–2020 models use an 1.6-litre diesel with a manual or automatic gearbox. Check completion, exact specifications, / fitment and stored faults.

2

Reliability rating

67
/ 100
Check carefully

A reasonable long-distance choice, but emissions equipment and optional (VW's automatic gearbox) make it less attractive for low-mileage urban use. This score is an editorial view of your buying risk. It is not a measured failure percentage.

Concern for this year/engine: 2017–2019: Confirm early rear-seatbelt and applicable rear-drum parking-brake campaign work.
Concern for this year/engine: 2019–2020: Identify exact emissions equipment and gearbox. Diesel sales ended around 2020, though later registrations are possible.

Typical lifespan: 250,000 km or more is plausible with regular long runs and correct maintenance. Direct AW diesel long-term evidence is thinner than for petrol.

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

Early rear seatbelt buckle

Risk: High

The issue to check is early rear seatbelt buckle safety . On affected early cars, the centre buckle can release the adjacent left rear belt during certain manoeuvres. Cars were recalled. Applicability and completion are (vehicle identification number)-specific.

Warning signs
  • Often no warning before release
  • Missing campaign record
Estimated repair
€0–€0
What to look out for
Ask Volkswagen to confirm completion of all belt campaigns by (vehicle identification number). An outstanding safety is a dealer remedy, normally free.

Rear drum handbrake adjuster

Risk: High

The issue to check is rear-drum parking-brake adjuster . An adjuster nut can move and increase lever travel on affected rear-drum cars. Not every engine/output has the same rear brakes.

Warning signs
  • Excessive lever travel
  • Weak holding on slopes
Estimated repair
€0–€0
What to look out for
Check brake specification and (vehicle identification number) campaign completion. Do not test by leaving the car unsecured on a hill.

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. The (diesel engine family code) diesel can develop EGR (exhaust gas recirculation, which sends some exhaust gas back through the engine) deposits or component faults, especially with short-trip use. Do not transfer early CAY-series /EGR failure rates to this later engine. Polo-specific frequency evidence is limited.

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.

and trouble

Risk: High

The issue to check is (diesel particulate filter, which traps soot) loading, and interrupted regenerations. Short trips can interrupt DPF (diesel particulate filter, which traps soot) (the filter burning off trapped soot) on the (diesel engine family code) diesel. Confirm sensor readings and the root cause before cleaning or replacing the filter. No reliable Polo AW measure of how often this happens with this engine rate was found.

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. An old or undocumented belt needs a (vehicle identification number)-specific maintenance check. Coolant-pump leaks are an inspection point, not a proven epidemic for every Polo (diesel engine family code). Price covers preventive belt/pump replacement.

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. Later AW units should not automatically be assigned early-6R failure rates.

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.

Screen, sound and software faults

Risk: Medium

The issue to check is freezes and electrical/software glitches. Owner accounts describe intermittent screen and display faults. Some need updates or diagnosis rather than replacement. Reliable measure of how often this happens with this engine is unavailable.

Warning signs
  • Frozen touchscreen
  • Connection drops
  • Intermittent warnings
Estimated repair
€80–€1,200
What to look out for
Test audio, phone pairing, cameras and displays on a long drive. Ask for update and history.
4

Questions to ask the seller

Tick them off as you talk. 0/7 asked.

5

Running and repair costs

Routine servicing / year
€250–€500
Average
Fuel economy
Approximately 4.3–5.3 L/100 km (53–66 mpg imperial).
Low
Unexpected repair risk
Common repairs
High
Unexpected repairs (if they happen)
  • Early rear seatbelt buckle €0–€0
  • Rear drum handbrake adjuster €0–€0
  • valve and cooler faults€550–€1,300
  • and trouble€250–€1,800
  • , pump and leaks€600–€1,100
  • Automatic gearbox and control faults€900–€3,500
  • Screen, sound and software faults€80–€1,200
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 67/100, check this car carefully before you buy. A reasonable long-distance choice, but emissions equipment and optional (VW's automatic gearbox) make it less attractive for low-mileage urban use.

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