VW Polo 6R and 6C (2009-2017): known problems and buying guide

Built
2014–2017
Median price
€7,999
Listings
1,994
Running cost per month
€340–€427
Power
60–192 PS (44–141 kW)
Reliability
2/5
DIY
2/5

Timing chains, the DQ200 gearbox and 1.6 TDI EGR and DPF faults are the main risks. Check the chain, gearbox and recall records before you buy.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
1.2 TSI, 90 PS, 5-speed manual Research€360€8,499414Petrol CJZManual (5)2014–2017
1.4 TDI, 75 PS, 5-speed manual €340€6,900323Diesel CUSManual (5)2014–2017
1.0, 60 PS, 5-speed manual €347€6,999290Petrol CHYManual (5)2014–2017
1.0, 75 PS, 5-speed manual €351€7,700229Petrol CHYManual (5)2014–2017
1.4 TDI, 90 PS, 5-speed manual €344€6,970184Diesel CUSManual (5)2014–2017
1.2 TSI, 90 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€358€10,999125Petrol CJZAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2017
GTI, 192 PS, 5-speed manual €427€11,79087Petrol DAJManual (5)2014–2017
GTI, 192 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€413€12,40058Petrol DAJAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2017
1.4 TDI, 90 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€343€9,90053Diesel CUSAutomatic (dual-clutch) (7)2014–2017
1.2 TSI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual Research€370€9,90052Petrol CJZManual (6)2014–2017

At a glance

  • Years: the Polo V was built from 2009 to 2017. The 6C facelift came in 2014.
  • Most common: the timing chain stretches on the 1.2 three-cylinder and on the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI petrol engines.
  • Gearbox: the DQ200 dry DSG can judder, jerk or lose drive. Clutch and mechatronic repairs cost a lot.
  • Reliability: 2/5, because the timing chain and the DQ200 gearbox both fail on several engines.
  • DIY: 2/5, because chain and gearbox work needs a workshop and a scanner.
  • Prefer: a car with chain and gearbox service records. Avoid: a car with a rattle on cold start and no records.

Engines and gearboxes

  • 1.2 three-cylinder (CGPA, CGPB), 60 and 70 PS: the timing chain is the main issue. See timing chain below.
  • 1.2 TSI (EA111, CBZB, CBZC): timing chain problems. See the EA111 guide.
  • 1.4 TSI GTI (CAVE, CTHE), 180 PS, 2010 to 2014: chain and high oil use. See GTI chain and oil below.
  • 1.4 16V (CGGB), 85 to 86 PS: no known issue on this page.
  • 1.6 TDI (CAYA, CAYB, CAYC): EGR valve and particulate filter faults. See the EA189 guide.
  • 1.2 TSI EA211 (belt-driven, from the 2014 facelift): see the EA211 guide.
  • DQ200 7-speed dry DSG: see the DQ200 guide.

Known issues

Issue Affects Typical km Repair cost
1.2 three-cylinder timing chain 1.2 three-cylinder, 60 and 70 PS (CGPA, CGPB) Check at 100,000 to 120,000 km 500 to 800 EUR (year not stated)
1.2 TSI timing chain 1.2 TSI EA111 (CBZB, CBZC), cars built until end 2013 From 20,000 to 30,000 km Not stated
1.4 TSI GTI timing chain and oil use 1.4 TSI GTI, 180 PS, 2010 to 2014 (CAVE, CTHE) Not stated Chain repair 887 EUR; engine overhaul 3,500 to 5,000 EUR (year not stated)
1.6 TDI EGR valve 1.6 TDI (CAYA, CAYB, CAYC) Not stated 380 to 720 EUR (year not stated)
1.6 TDI particulate filter 1.6 TDI (CAYA, CAYB, CAYC) Not stated New filter 1,500 EUR (year not stated); exhaust with filter 1,906 EUR (2025)
DQ200 gearbox faults 7-speed dry DSG (DQ200) 80,000 to 150,000 km Clutch 1,000 to 1,800 EUR; mechatronic 1,200 to 2,800 EUR (year not stated)
Sill rust Polo 6R and 6C Not stated Not stated
Airbag control unit fault Polo 6R, model years 2014 and 2015 Not stated Not stated

Before you buy

  1. DSG test drive. Pull away from a stop and change gear several times. Bad result: jerking, juddering or loss of drive. A clutch costs 1,000 to 1,800 EUR and a mechatronic unit 1,200 to 2,800 EUR (year not stated).
  2. DSG records. Ask for the gearbox service history. Bad result: no records, or a clutch or mechatronic repair without a receipt. A scanner reads codes P189C and P0841.
  3. DPF check. Scan for codes P2002 and P242F. Bad result: stored codes or limp mode. A new filter costs 1,500 EUR (year not stated).
  4. Chain on the 1.4 TSI GTI. Listen on a cold start. Bad result: a rattle. A chain repair costs 887 EUR (year not stated).
  5. 1.2 three-cylinder chain. Listen on a cold start and ask for chain work. Bad result: a rattle, stalling, or a jump. A chain job costs 500 to 800 EUR (year not stated).
  6. EGR valve. Scan for codes P0401 to P0403 and P0407. Bad result: codes, rough idle or limp mode. A new EGR costs 380 to 720 EUR (year not stated).
  7. Oil use on the 1.4 TSI GTI. Check the oil level after a long drive and ask for oil top-up records. Bad result: oil loss above about 1 litre per 1,000 km.
  8. 1.2 TSI chain (EA111). Listen on a cold start. Bad result: a rattle or rough running. Ask for service records.
  9. Airbag recall. Ask the dealer for proof that the airbag control unit work is done. Bad result: no proof on a 2014 or 2015 Polo 6R. Have the VIN checked.
  10. Sills. Lift the mud flaps and press the sill edges. Bad result: soft or holed metal.

Running costs

Operational€152
Workshop€97
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€107
Total per month€356
New-car depreciation (not included)€45

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

Market

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

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
1,994
25th percentile
€6,500
Median price
€7,999
75th percentile
€9,900
Median mileage
120,000 km
Median first registration
2016
Dealer share
61.5%
Price at 100,000 km
€9,140

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

Full guide with details