Volkswagen Polo: what it really costs to run in the UK
The Polo punches well above its class — it feels like a premium car despite being compact. Great build quality and a grown-up drive.
Based on 1,000 km (about 621 miles) a month on mixed roads. Prices: £14,000 for a 2–4-year-old one, up to £20,640 new. All assumptions →
Buying a 2–4-year-old Polo on finance
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Loan payment (80% financed, 5% APR, 3 years) | £335 |
| Fuel / electricity | £96 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £40 |
| Road tax | £16 |
| Maintenance | £39 |
| Total per month | £527 |
| Over 3 years | £ |
|---|---|
| 20% deposit | £2,800 |
| 36 monthly costs | £18,978 |
| Total paid out | £21,779 |
| Minus estimated resale value (~55%) | −£7,700 |
| Net 3-year cost | £14,079 |
Leasing a new Polo
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Lease payment (typical deal: 36 months, 10,000 miles a year, upfront payment spread over the term) | £306 |
| Fuel / electricity | £96 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £60 |
| Road tax and maintenance | Usually included |
| Total per month | £463 |
Leasing compares a new car with buying a 2–4-year-old one, so the two are different cars. At the end of a lease you hand the car back; buying leaves you with the resale value, which is why buying is shown net.
Road tax
UK vehicle tax for a car this age is the flat standard rate, £200/yr, whatever its CO₂.
CO₂: 118 g/km.
Engines
- 1.0 TSI 95hp
- 110hp petrol
Costs above use the first engine listed. Bigger engines cost more to buy, insure and fuel.
Why people choose the Polo
- Premium feel at a small car price
- Strong VW build quality
- Refined on motorways too
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