Used Volkswagen Polo for sale nationwide
Volkswagen Polo Mk5: CarGurus Buyer Insights
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
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 32.9% | 4.3/5 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 28.6% | 4.2/5 |
| Ford Fiesta | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 33.1% | 4.4/5 |
| Peugeot 208 | 3/5 | 5.0/5 | 30.0% | 4.3/5 |
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.
4.6 Overall rating
(11 reviews)The car was great to drive and @ 60,000 for 3k is a bargain.
Not good value. A few paint chips and front bumper in need of respray as paint laquet flaking off.
This VW is just as advertised. It is in very good condition, almost like new. The car has a full VW service history. The interior shows minimal, if any, signs of wear and tear. The car is responsive with excellent handling. Given the price range for used VW Polos this is positive value. Most importantly - the Seller has been excellent throughout, being very responsive and caring towards the Customer.
Had the car 2 days so far so good looks and drives lovely good spec interior
Good features and lovely to drive. Prices remain high not much difference between new and used prices.
Volkswagen Polo FAQs
How much does the Volkswagen Polo cost?
The average Volkswagen Polo costs about £11,272.45. The average price has decreased by -6.1% since last year. The 2909 for sale on CarGurus range from £625 to £29,900 in price.
How many Volkswagen Polo vehicles have no reported accidents or damage?
2833 out of 2909 for sale have no reported accidents or damage.
What fuel types are available?
Diesel, Petrol engines are available.
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