Polaris Unknown (2012)

555 real MOT outcomes analysed • 3.3% first-time pass rate

2012 Polaris Unknown

CarHunch analysed 555 real MOT records for the 2012 Polaris Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 2012 Polaris is a serious reliability concern: only 3.3% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, with diesel variants performing even worse at 1.6% pass rate versus petrol at 5.1%. Nearly 1% of vehicles have recorded dangerous defects, which is unusually high and a genuine safety red flag for prospective buyers.

The low average mileage of 6,447 miles suggests these are niche leisure vehicles with sporadic use, yet they still accumulate failures (0.02 per vehicle) and advisories (0.1 per vehicle) at concerning rates. Before purchasing any 2012 Polaris, have an independent inspection specifically focused on safety-critical systems, as the MOT pass data indicates systemic reliability issues regardless of mileage.

Below average reliability 76.7% below UK average
3.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
8,626
typical mileage
4,992–8,626 middle half
0.9%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.02
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2012 Polaris Unknown

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Polaris Unknown

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (50%) 276 1.6% 0.01
Petrol (49%) 271 5.1% 0.03
Electric (1%) 8 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Polaris Unknown vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

4,992
low mileage
8,626
typical
8,626
high mileage

Half of all 2012 Polaris Unknown vehicles fall between 4,992 and 8,626 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.02
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2012 Polaris Unknown

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 21.4%
    Front Registration plate missing
  • 17.9%
    Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 14.3%
    Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play
  • 14.3%
    Steering column top bearing slightly worn
  • 14.3%
    Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play
  • 10.7%
    Hand brake travels to maximum but brake works after four clicks
  • 10.7%
    Brake discs corroded
  • 10.7%
    All drive shafts and propshafts wibbly wobbly

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Polaris Unknown?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Polaris Unknown:

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019