Polaris Unknown (2017)
2017 Polaris Unknown
CarHunch analysed 192 real MOT records for the 2017 Polaris Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2017 Polaris is a significant reliability concern: only 22.6% pass their MOT on the first attempt, compared to the UK average of 80%. The diesel variants are even worse at just 15% first-time pass rate, suggesting systematic issues with that powertrain choice.
The very low mileage (median 5,665 miles for a seven-year-old vehicle) indicates these are likely specialist or recreational machines with infrequent use, which masks rather than explains the poor MOT performance. With 0.7 advisories per vehicle on average and a median CarHunch score of just 40, budget for regular remedial work before each test and consider whether the specialist nature of this vehicle justifies the hassle—ask the seller for full MOT history before committing.
What to check before buying a 2017 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.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (60%) | 115 | 15.1% | 0.08 |
| Petrol (39%) | 75 | 34.8% | 0.09 |
| Electric (1%) | 2 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2017 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.
Half of all 2017 Polaris Unknown vehicles fall between 3,289 and 5,748 miles.
2017 Polaris Unknown — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (31% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2017 Polaris Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
25.3%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
-
17.2%
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play
-
11.5%
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play
-
10.3%
Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play
-
10.3%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
10.3%
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play
-
10.3%
Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play
-
9.2%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017. 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.