Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.4 SE (75ps) 3d (02) (2002/02) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Packed with features and gadgets.
Costs
Not bad, low tax, cheap insurance.
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On the road
Driving
Jelly on wheels.
Performance
This is where the Polo lets the side down. It's like driving a snail. With the air con switched on, pulling away is diabolical. If you're in a hurry, forget it. Looking at the rev counter as it only red lines' at 51/2k it makes you think. Go for the TDi.
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Living with it
Reliability
Loads of problems at 18,000 miles. Rattling air con unit, window seals fail, heating system noisy, gearbox 'chunky', clutch slip, electric windows console failed.
Image
This is tricky coz it looks good from the back, but the appearance is let down by 'bugs eyes' headlamps at front. However, when you see a Merc 'C' class coming towards you you feel your front end resembles the Merc.
Comfort
Golf GTi type seats that hug. Very nice, although 2 adults and a small child in the back seat is a total squeeze. Lots of room in front though.
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Security and Service
Security
Keyless entry and deadlocking weigh out the cons on this car.
Service
I am a staunch VW user and the MK6 Polo does not do good as the MK4 Golf or MK5 Polo. It is very sluggish. If it is cheapness you are after, go for it. Anything else, forget it and go for an SETDi MK4 Golf. Much more value for money.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
1.4 unit cannot cope with A/C running at the same time. Engine range is poor with TDi unit being best by far.
Other
See reliability comments. The electric window console, what happened was I started the car up on a nice hot day, tried to open the driver's window and the passenger window opened instead and vice versa with the passenger window.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes