2010 Volkswagen Fox: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Volkswagen Fox?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Volkswagen Fox than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Exhaust system2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  17.2% All 2010 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Ball joint dust cover3× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  10.6% All 2010 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.4× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  8.9% All 2010 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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)4.9× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  6.8% All 2010 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.3% of all 2010 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.

• Washers2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  8.6% All 2010 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2010 Volkswagen Fox MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Volkswagen Fox MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  37% 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
  34% 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
  20% 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 2010 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2010 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2010 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2010 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?