Hi from new memeber interested in Polo GTi

[BAC]

Hi to all forum members!

First time poster here who's just had his first test drive in a Polo GTi (stock) and walked away fairly impressed.

A bit of background on me - I'm on the wrong side of 40 and my favourite cars that I've owned thus far are a modified Laser TX3 Turbo AWD (sensational power & handling for its time) and lately a Focus ST170 (great FWD chassis, but a little underpowered).

Am now looking for my next car, and thinking of staying Euro. I've driven a chipped Audi S3 (8L) and come away unimpressed and am now considering the Focus XR5 and Polo GTi. The Focus is probably a better fit but realistically out of my price range for now, so the Polo is an attractive option.

So here come a few noob questions raised by my test drive which I'm hoping you guys will help me with:

Firstly, the car I drove had quite a stiff gear change action - sort of notchy, but also requiring a fairly firm hand to push the lever through the gate. Is this normal for the GTi, and if so, is there anything that can be done to smooth it out? (e.g. different gearbox oil, cable/linkage adjustment, etc.)

Secondly, the power windows were quite wobbly (for want of a better term) in their raising/lowering action. I'm used to the glass smoothly gliding up and down, but in the Polo it was more like a pulsing action.

If I do end up with one of these, it will be getting chipped pretty quickly, so what's the torque steer like on a chipped car - unbearable or not too bad?

Also I would be keen to know the simplest/cheapest mod that helps cope with the understeer inherent with powerful FWD cars - would I be looking at an upgraded rear sway bar, larger wheels/tyres or something else?

I must say after reading these forums I was expecting the stock performace of the car to be sedate, but was pleasantly surprised when the turbo spooled up - so it can only get better from here

Cheers,
BAC

[seangti]

welcome. you've come to the right place.

I'm meant to be working so will respond quickly.

Gear shift shouldn't be notchy, mine is very nice. Though it isn't an uncommon comment from some. It has been rectified by redline gearbox fluid and perhaps a dogbone mount. The dogbone mount is highly regarded, though increases a few vibrations, but from all account significantly improved shift quality.

Power windows - no worries with mine and haven't heard of any.

regarding torque steer, it's really not an issue if the alignment and suspension is in good condition. I've driven a fellow members car with around 140kwat (with standard turbo) - awesome and no issues, though has the suspension and bracing to support it. If there is any hassles with torque steer, replacing the rubber bushes at the back of the front lower control arm to a solid bush should improve any issues.

Suspension wise, a rear sway bar is a great, cheap improvement, as is the above bits - many of which most members run.

When you can get onto the polo section, do plenty of searches for mods and any bits that break. They aren't without there faults, but all in all, good, cheap fun.