Common issues 2012-13 Polo GTI

[thinkswithelbow]

Hi All

I Currently drive a 2010 XR5 Turbo and am looking to downsize to a polo GTI with in the next 3-4 months. I need something small with a non manual gearbox thats fun to drive and reasonably priced. Looking at the MY12 model as its the newest one before the odd bluetooth thing that I've seen in the photos (might have to go test drive one of the MY12.5+ ones too see what the bluetooth thing is)

What are the common problems I should be looking for? So far I've come across:

• The DSG units on these things are a little touchy pending on the car you end up getting
• From the above issue some cars can have clutch problems
• They consume alot of oil
• It looks like some of the panels in the dash may rattle

What else should i be looking for?

[Umai Naa!!]

I'd be saving my pennies for something else.

Compared to everything else VW has to offer in the last 5 or so years, these were a bit of a dog unfortunately. The oil consumption and DSG issues really tarnish what is on paper, a ripper of a car.

I'd be either looking at the facelifted one, or perhaps a Golf GTI.

[RoknRob]

Listen to Umai Naaaa!!!!!

[thinkswithelbow]

I'd be saving my pennies for something else.

I'd be either looking at the facelifted one, or perhaps a Golf GTI.

facelifted one? Do explain

Cheers

[tigger73]

facelifted one? Do explain

Cheers

Polo GTI went from the twin-charged 1.4 to a 1.8 single turbo in 2015. If you can afford it buy the 2015 update as it's a more reliable car. Otherwise if you don't mind a manual get the 9N 1.8 turbo which was built 2005-2009. Both of these cars are 10 x more reliable than the one that you're looking at.

Otherwise as others have said either a Mk5 or Mk6 GTI would be a better option in terms of reliability.

[spare]

I've had my Polo GTI (from new) just over two and a half years now.

If you're going to get a 1.4 Twin Charged Polo GTI 6R, get the 2013 onwards as they use the revised CTHE engines which fix a lot of the issues that were inerrant with the 2010-2012 CAVE engines. (Informative sticky thread about it here: http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...d*-109098.html)

I've got full APR Stage 2 on mine (Intercooler, Intake, Exhaust and Tune), regularly take it on some good solid drives, and touch wood haven't had a single issue yet.

Can be a little bit thirsty on oil sometimes, but in the scheme of things it really is no big issue or cost.

[JonW]

Seem a bit harsh, many of these cars' problems are now fully fixed, at least mine is. Buy a good one and you'll be alright, those of us whove bourn the pain of the repairs mean that later buyers will get a decent car. Im selling mine in Q1/2 next year if you want a low milage car with the engine fixed.

[thinkswithelbow]

Seem a bit harsh, many of these cars' problems are now fully fixed, at least mine is. Buy a good one and you'll be alright, those of us whove bourn the pain of the repairs mean that later buyers will get a decent car. Im selling mine in Q1/2 next year if you want a low milage car with the engine fixed.

I guess theres always 2 sides to every story.

Did VW offer extended warranties?

[JonW]

There sure is, if youre interested in mine drop me a PM. The bluetooth thing is not a problem either. you can code out the dash unit and then fit a phone holder that uses the power from the VW unit to power your phone. not perfect perhaps and yes it would be nice not to have it there, but if you use your phone for nav, like i do, then its in the right place as well. My car also has a reverse camera fitted... sensible mods

[banong]

my15 polo gti surely smoke the stock xr5

[thinkswithelbow]

my15 polo gti surely smoke the stock xr5

No idea, never tried

Random question, do the polo's have adjustable lumbar support in their seats?

[ill0gitech]

Nice comfy seats, no adjustable lumbar on the standard GTI <2013

[BarneyJ80]

Seatbelts on MY16 Polo GTI

Nice comfy seats, no adjustable lumbar on the standard GTI <2013

Hi all, new to this forum so apologies for the random question.

Are the seatbelts on the new Polo GTI automatically tensioned? The reason I ask is that with previous non VW cars and kids booster seats, you always had to pull the belt all the way then let it back until it was locked in place, which then didnt allow kids to move forwards as belt was locked.

Ive tried this on the VW today and it doesnt seem to lock and allows movement. Manual is a bit vague so figured I'd ask the question here.

Appreciate your feedback!

Cheers.