VW Polo

A_Flock_Of_Sheep

Any opinions from experience grateful. Considering a Polo as a smaller run about car

youtellme90

A_Flock_Of_Sheep wrote: »

Any opinions from experience grateful. Considering a Polo as a smaller run about car

What age Polo are you looking at?
VW are in general reliable, I've know a new one (11 plate) to go with no problems, some of the older ones (Y Reg) had its share of difficulties, but that's the same with any older car.

They drive well, well built, and will get you from A to B with no real trouble. (Generally anyway)

Clive_Woody

Consider a Skoda Fabia, essentially the same car only cheaper with a different badge on the front.

Building_Surveyor

My mom swears by them. Although for the money I think they're a bit over priced .. and if your looking brand new expect to pay extra for things that come as standard on other cars.

attila_

I've had two. 1994 and 1996 both great.

What year?

cherryblossomzel

I like mine. I have a '97 model, 133,000 miles. I would estimate that maintenance (including MOT, regular new tyres, cambelt etc) have cost me on average £150 per year. I decided about a year ago to buy a new car as soon as this one costs me money, so I have not been maintaining it at all, and things are starting to get a little sticky now. I do think that someone capable of doing maintenance and minor repairs themselves could keep the car on the road relatively cheaply for years to come, but I can't, and my tax and MOT is due soon, so I'm getting a new one. I'm scrapping, rather than selling the VW, because I don't think the extra money I could get for a sale is worth the time and effort of listing it, cleaning, showing people etc.

I have also heard that Skoda is exactly the same as VW, but with a different label and significantly cheaper.

Edted to clarify: I'm not buying another Polo. I have had a perfectly good experience with my Polo, but I think they are a bit pricey. I'm looking at replacing it with a Honda Jazz.

Clive_Woody

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

I have also heard that Skoda is exactly the same as VW, but with a different label and significantly cheaper.

And Skodas also come with lots more toys and gadgets as standard.

I was quite surprised when looking at a VW how much is considered an extra compared to the standard kit on a Skoda.

EdGasket

The Polo has it's issues; i.e. design faults. See:
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?354750-2005-VW-Polo-1.2-Misfiring-regularly

Hyundai Getz is much better and cheaper; though you don't say what your budget is.

attila_

I had a misfire on my 1996 one. Turned out to be the coil pack, still had a misfire and one of the HT leads had a burnt end. Replaced and no problem after that.

These things happen

cherryblossomzel

attila_ wrote: »

These things happen

They do. Something electrical went wrong with the fan on mine and engine horribly overheated in the middle of London. The dealer fixed it (under warranty) and it was fine. I also had to get the suspension fixed at one point, but again, it was fine after.

Par for the course when you own a car.

TeamPlum

As far as I'm aware, two (fairly) common problems are:

1. Timing belt can jump
2. Carbon build up in the cylinder leading to big damage.

That said, no brand of car has no problems, if you like the way it drives, and it's mechanically sound - go for it.