VW Polo 9N (2001-2009): known problems and buying guide

The 1.2 timing chain and diesel timing belts carry the biggest engine risk. Check the belt and chain records and the coils before you buy.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.4, 80 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€373	€2,500	445	Petrol	BUD	Manual (5)	2006–2009
1.2, 60 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€354	€2,250	314	Petrol	BBM	Manual (5)	2007–2009
1.2, 64 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€364	€1,995	277	Petrol	BME	Manual (5)	2005–2007
1.2, 70 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€355	€2,499	255	Petrol	BZG	Manual (5)	2007–2009
1.2, 55 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€353	€1,990	224	Petrol	BMD	Manual (5)	2005–2007
1.4, 75 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€381	€1,999	184	Petrol	BKY	Manual (5)	2005–2006
1.4 TDI, 80 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€345	€2,200	88	Diesel	BNV	Manual (5)	2005–2009
1.4 TDI, 70 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€344	€2,100	83	Diesel	BNM	Manual (5)	2005–2009
1.9 TDI, 100 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€354	€2,300	56	Diesel	AXR	Manual (5)	2005–2009
1.4, 75 PS, 4-speed automatic Research	€412	€3,700	50	Petrol	BKY	Automatic (4)	2005–2007

Years: built 2001 to 2009. The facelift (9N3) came in spring 2005.
Most common: the 1.2 three-cylinder timing chain, which can stretch and cause major engine damage. Diesel timing belts can tear too.
Reliability: 2/5, because the timing chain and the timing belts can end in engine damage.
DIY: 2/5, because the timing chain and timing belt are engine jobs for a workshop.
Prefer: a car with timing belt or chain records and a dry footwell. Avoid: a 1.2 three-cylinder with misfires or stalling and no repair record.

1.2 three-cylinder petrol (AWY, AZQ): the timing chain can stretch. See 1.2 three-cylinder timing chain.
1.4 16V petrol (BBY 75 PS, BUD 80 PS): timing belt, not a chain. It can use more oil than normal. See 1.4 16V oil use.
1.4 FSI direct-injection petrol: no common fault listed.
1.8T petrol (150 hp): no common fault listed.
1.4 TDI three-cylinder pump-injector diesel (AMF, 75 hp): built from November 2001 to May 2005. Keep the timing belt to schedule. See timing belt on diesel engines.
1.9 SDI and 1.9 TDI pump-injector diesels: the timing belt must be changed at the latest after 90,000 km. See timing belt on diesel engines.
5-speed manual: no common fault listed.
4-speed automatic: no common fault listed.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
1.2 three-cylinder timing chain	1.2 three-cylinder petrol (AWY, AZQ)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Timing belt on diesel engines	1.4 TDI (75 hp), 1.9 SDI and 1.9 TDI	Not stated	No confirmed price
Ignition coils	All petrol engines	Not stated	About 184 GBP on average (UK, year not stated)
1.4 16V oil use	1.4 16V petrol (BBY, BUD)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Blocked drains and wet footwell	All 9N	Not stated	120-220 EUR (Germany, year not stated)
Front control arms	Cars built up to 2007	Not stated	No confirmed price
Power windows and central locking	All 9N	Not stated	No confirmed price

Timing chain (1.2 three-cylinder). Ask for proof of the last chain check or replacement. Bad result: no proof, and misfires or stalling.
Timing belt (diesel). Ask for the date and mileage of the last belt change. Bad result: no record, or more than 90,000 km since the change on a 1.9 SDI or 1.9 TDI.
Ignition coils (petrol). Start the engine warm and listen for misfire or stalling. Bad result: a misfire.
Footwell and drains. Press the carpets in both footwells and smell for damp. Bad result: wet carpet or a musty smell.
Windows and locks. Use every window switch and the central locking, from the key and from inside. Bad result: a window drops, sticks or stops, or the doors lock or unlock on their own.
Front control arms. Drive over bumps and listen. Check the front suspension on a lift. Bad result: knocks or play in the front suspension.
Oil level (1.4 16V). Check the oil level on a cold engine and ask for oil top-up records. Bad result: the level falls between oil changes.

Operational	€185
Workshop	€78
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€101
Total per month	€364
New-car depreciation (not included)	€34

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.