2009 Volkswagen Fox: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Volkswagen Fox?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Volkswagen Fox than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Headlights2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  16.5% All 2009 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  16.6% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  12.8% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Link ball joint covers2.9× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  8.3% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.9× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  7% All 2009 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2009 Volkswagen Fox MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Volkswagen Fox MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  21% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Volkswagen Fox

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?