Volkswagen Polo Coupe (1984 - 1994) 1.3 CL 3d (1993/K) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Either elder person who has held onto a car purchased new, or younger person starting out on their driving career who needs a cheap to run, high quality, high image (it is a VW after all) car. It isn't the most flashy motor in the world, but then it is unlikely to be stolen or damaged because of it!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

As a family we are fond of the Polo, it has served its purpose admirably and has cost virtually nothing to maintain, as well as being good on fuel. My friends like it too, as five of us can get in with relative comfort for short journeys.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I wouldn't buy this car again for two reasons. firstly, I have no intention of selling the one I have, it is worth more as a second car than as c.£100 extra in my wallet. Secondly, there are so many newer and better equipped small cars out there that I wouldn't buy another of the same vintage

What are you likely to buy next?

I have bought a Mazda MX5

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,300

When did you buy the car?

September 2002

Did you get a good deal and why?

At the time it was a good deal, the car wasn't (too) old and had a low mileage and was in good condition

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a small roundabout as a first car

What was the dealer like?

A local dealer I had used before

What's it like to drive?

Generally, this is a nippy little car. With passengers on board, the car is slower but that is to be expected with a 55bhp engine. Driving in the wet has produced some hair raising moments, especially going round a bend uphill. In general conditions though the car is fine, and is a useful, econmonical, albeit basic, runabout. I used to do a fair amount of motorway driving, and I never had a problem cruising at 70mph, probably a result of fitting the new spark plugs and only using good quality (ie non supermarket) petrol.

What's it like to park?

The lack of power steering is annoying, but I haven't had any parking issues with the car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car developed an odd habit of being breathless and unable to accelerate in any gear in 2005. This problem was eventually cured by changing the cheap spark plugs fitted at the previous service with Bosch items. The car improved instantly and was far better than before

What's most practical about your car?

It can fit into very small parking spaces and can carry five people, as well as having a reasonably good sized boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I fitted an MP3 CD Player which works very well