VW Polo 1.6

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xistenz

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I'm considering buying a second-hand VW Polo 1.6 (round headlamps), and was wondering what the reliability is like?

Spec-wise, it seems pretty good, but I'm more worried about things going wrong mechanically. I've heard people say that they have had no problems with theirs, and others say that they have had endless problems.

What are things to look out for when buying one of these cars?
 
Can't comment on the one with the round lights - I've got the older one with the square lights. Never had any problems so far.

What year is it?
 
I've got a 2003. I've had a couple of issues, but no major show stoppers. Most annoying was a broken temperature sensor which caused the car to not start when it was hot.

The most annoying issue I have now is a scraping noise from the wheels, which the dealers (more than one) have looked at, and first decided it was the 3rd party brake discs I had installed. So I had them put factory disks in. No difference. Then they decided it's the actual tires rubbing against the rim (riiiight, what retard thinks a SCRAPING noise is rubber against metal?). Then they thought it was the brake calipers rubbing against the wheel. This noise has been going on for 2 years now (Had the car for 5), and it's still not resolved. Personally I think it's the wheel bearings (not that I know anything about cars), but do you think they will check?? Anyway, the noise is just annoying, and I can't say I've noticed any degradation in the car's performance or anything else... other than the noise.
 
Go for the new spec, 2005 model, they look better and most of the problems were ironed out.
 
I have friends with two Polo's. None with any problems.
 
xistenz said:
Do you know what problems were fixed when they changed to the current version?
Click to expand...

I know the steering rack had issues, the starter...
I cant remember the others, whats the difference in price between this one and a new spec from 2005?
 
JK8 said:
I know the steering rack had issues, the starter...
I cant remember the others, whats the difference in price between this one and a new spec from 2005?
Click to expand...

Not sure what the prices are like at this time. It is just a thought in my head :rolleyes:
 
I have the VW Polo 1.6 Comfortline, 2005 model.

Love it. Have no problems with it.

I did have to get the brakepads replaced at the last service, but that's normal wear and tear, I think.

The only thing that's a bit irritating is that sometimes, it won't go into first gear; need to de-clutch and try again. But a friend has the new version Beetle, and she has the same problem. So we figure all VWs probably do that.
 
AvatarS said:
I have the VW Polo 1.6 Comfortline, 2005 model.

Love it. Have no problems with it.

I did have to get the brakepads replaced at the last service, but that's normal wear and tear, I think.

The only thing that's a bit irritating is that sometimes, it won't go into first gear; need to de-clutch and try again. But a friend has the new version Beetle, and she has the same problem. So we figure all VWs probably do that.
Click to expand...

The Corsa has that problem too... happened to me when I did my driver's.... :eek:
 
The 2005 1.6 with round lamps has disc brakes all round, height adjustable passenger seat, glove box under passenger seat. No problems with my 2005 model yet.
 
...just make sure that you're not buying this lady drivers polo: www.blacknotes.co.za


xistenz said:
I'm considering buying a second-hand VW Polo 1.6 (round headlamps), and was wondering what the reliability is like?

Spec-wise, it seems pretty good, but I'm more worried about things going wrong mechanically. I've heard people say that they have had no problems with theirs, and others say that they have had endless problems.

What are things to look out for when buying one of these cars?
Click to expand...
 
xistenz said:
I'm considering buying a second-hand VW Polo 1.6 (round headlamps), and was wondering what the reliability is like?

Spec-wise, it seems pretty good, but I'm more worried about things going wrong mechanically. I've heard people say that they have had no problems with theirs, and others say that they have had endless problems.

What are things to look out for when buying one of these cars?
Click to expand...

I recently bought one 2006 model and have been so happy. It's unbelievably reliable and haven't had any problems with mine. :D

Would definitely recommend one to anyone who is in the market for a 2nd hand car.

Also resale on these cars are quite decent. Can't recall off the top of my head but no huge depreciation losses.

As far as i know they start at about 120k
 
Last edited:
Hi,

I am having the same problem with my 2004 polo. When it gets hot it won't start. Leave it for about an hour and it goes again.


Thisgeek, how did you fix the problem?

thisgeek said:
I've got a 2003. I've had a couple of issues, but no major show stoppers. Most annoying was a broken temperature sensor which caused the car to not start when it was hot.

The most annoying issue I have now is a scraping noise from the wheels, which the dealers (more than one) have looked at, and first decided it was the 3rd party brake discs I had installed. So I had them put factory disks in. No difference. Then they decided it's the actual tires rubbing against the rim (riiiight, what retard thinks a SCRAPING noise is rubber against metal?). Then they thought it was the brake calipers rubbing against the wheel. This noise has been going on for 2 years now (Had the car for 5), and it's still not resolved. Personally I think it's the wheel bearings (not that I know anything about cars), but do you think they will check?? Anyway, the noise is just annoying, and I can't say I've noticed any degradation in the car's performance or anything else... other than the noise.
Click to expand...
 
Took it in to the dealer :p They replaced the sensor. Wasn't too expensive. IIRC the labour cost more than the part.
 
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