Used Volkswagen Polo for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,900
Average Price: Around £11,600

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Feels like a bigger, more expensive car than it is	Unexciting to drive – sporty GTI is a particular disappointment
Fuel-efficient BlueMotion diesels	Not that well equipped
Refined and comfortable to drive	Understated styling could be seen as boring

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) is a mature and refined supermini that punches above its weight. Designed by Walter de Silva, it feels like a scaled-down Golf with excellent build quality and a grown-up driving experience. Available in three and five-door body styles, the Polo received a mid-life refresh in 2014 that introduced new engines and technology. Despite its compact exterior, it offers surprising interior space with a 280-litre boot expanding to 952 litres with rear seats folded. The cabin features quality materials and thoughtful storage solutions, making it feel more upmarket than rivals.

The Polo prioritises comfort and refinement over driving excitement, making it ideal for motorway cruising and urban driving. Early petrol models achieve around 50mpg, whilst later TSI versions and diesel options deliver significantly better efficiency – BlueMotion diesels can return up to 90mpg. The GTI performance variants, available with either a 178bhp twincharged 1.4-litre or later 189bhp turbocharged 1.8-litre engine, offer spirited performance but lack the engagement of rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST. Running costs are reasonable, with low insurance groups and competitive servicing costs at independent specialists.

Best for: Drivers seeking a refined, comfortable, and well-built supermini; those prioritising motorway comfort and fuel efficiency; and buyers wanting premium feel without premium pricing.

Not ideal for: Keen drivers wanting engaging handling; buyers seeking cutting-edge technology or extensive standard equipment; or those wanting a fun-to-drive hot hatch.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Polo if: You want a refined, comfortable, and well-built supermini; you prioritise motorway comfort and fuel efficiency; or you seek premium feel without premium pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You are a keen driver wanting engaging handling, seeking cutting-edge technology, or require extensive standard equipment on all trims.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017) is a strong contender in the used supermini market, offering refinement, build quality, and a mature driving experience that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the Ford Fiesta provides superior driving dynamics and the Peugeot 208 offers striking styling, the Polo's premium feel, comfort, and efficiency – particularly the BlueMotion diesel variants – make it an excellent choice for those prioritising refinement and practicality over outright excitement. It represents genuine value for buyers seeking a well-engineered, dependable supermini.

Read our full Volkswagen Polo Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.