Thinking of buying a Polo GTI

[triode12]

Hi All,

I test drove a Polo GTI yesterday and loved it. It was a barrel of fun.

So I am thinking of getting one as a second car but after reading some of the long term reviews and the problems thread here, I am a bit concerned about the quality of the car.

I esp concerned about the clutch, aircon and interior rattles issues I have been reading. Are they really common problems?

[noone]

Welcome.

The car is fairly well built, but there certainly are some problems you can run into.

The clutch issues seem to be discovered early in the vehicle's life, don't think there have been many issues out of warranty.

The aircon issues have only happened to a few. I understand your concern about reading threads on these issues, but many of the problems are fairly isolated.

The interior rattles are an issue for me, but really only started when I put in lower springs and changed the engine mount bush.

If you are planning on keeping the Polo as is, I would not be too concerned. Best to get one with some warranty left (most of them will) for peace of mind.

If you are looking at doing some work to it (handling or power), might be worth a ride in someone elses Pog, to get a feel for where you can go and what you can expect.

best of luck.

[triode12]

Welcome.

The car is fairly well built, but there certainly are some problems you can run into.

The clutch issues seem to be discovered early in the vehicle's life, don't think there have been many issues out of warranty.

The aircon issues have only happened to a few. I understand your concern about reading threads on these issues, but many of the problems are fairly isolated.

The interior rattles are an issue for me, but really only started when I put in lower springs and changed the engine mount bush.

If you are planning on keeping the Polo as is, I would not be too concerned. Best to get one with some warranty left (most of them will) for peace of mind.

If you are looking at doing some work to it (handling or power), might be worth a ride in someone elses Pog, to get a feel for where you can go and what you can expect.

best of luck.

Hi noone,

Thanks for the information. I am actually thinking of getting a new one.
The used one I drove had a 'clunking' sound from the rear - sounded like it was from the suspension. And creaking from under the front seats. In fact there was a symphony of noises coming from with in the car (80000Ks on the clock).

The most I'd do to the car would be a tune if I do get it.

[seangti]

also bear in mind these cars are built on the lowest common denominator, i.e. a $15k base spec polo. They are bloody good fun and you need to weigh up the performance versus quality. A new, yet boring base spec golf is probably similar price to a polo Gti and isn'y likely to rattle like ours at 50,000kms. yet it also won't put the same smile on your face.

Horse for courses. Go drive a Colt Ralliart or Fiesta XR4, while you might then find the handling of the polo disappointing, you will find it's significantly nicer to drive, better feeling steering wheel and gearbox than the other two. The polo you can drive like it's stollen or like a grandpa and is happy doing both. The others not so happy when you just wanna go A to B.

[triode12]

also bear in mind these cars are built on the lowest common denominator, i.e. a $15k base spec polo. They are bloody good fun and you need to weigh up the performance versus quality. A new, yet boring base spec golf is probably similar price to a polo Gti and isn'y likely to rattle like ours at 50,000kms. yet it also won't put the same smile on your face.

Horse for courses. Go drive a Colt Ralliart or Fiesta XR4, while you might then find the handling of the polo disappointing, you will find it's significantly nicer to drive, better feeling steering wheel and gearbox than the other two. The polo you can drive like it's stollen or like a grandpa and is happy doing both. The others not so happy when you just wanna go A to B.

As a matter of fact, I have test driven the Colt Ralliart and have to agree that it isn't as fun. Power comes in too late at the higher revs.

Haven't tried the XR4 but have tested the new Fiesta and wasn't impressed with the fit and finish of the interior.

[noone]

IMO, there are better cars out there, if you don't want something small and fast. The Polo has potential, but to get real power out of it is going to cost you a chip and intake pipe, whilst to get it handling well would cost another couple of thou.

I guess its all about what you want from it, before I bought the car I knew I was going to chip it and lower it, must admit I did overshoot my budget pretty quickly but am only a few parts away from being finished (yeah right) unless I get a bigger turbo.

The other small hatches may handle better (the XR4 does, stock vs stock IMO) but you don't have the easily attainable power potential.

Can I ask why you would buy new?

[triode12]

IMO, there are better cars out there, if you don't want something small and fast. The Polo has potential, but to get real power out of it is going to cost you a chip and intake pipe, whilst to get it handling well would cost another couple of thou.

I guess its all about what you want from it, before I bought the car I knew I was going to chip it and lower it, must admit I did overshoot my budget pretty quickly but am only a few parts away from being finished (yeah right) unless I get a bigger turbo.

The other small hatches may handle better (the XR4 does, stock vs stock IMO) but you don't have the easily attainable power potential.

Can I ask why you would buy new?

Oh but I do want something small and fast - I just don't want to have to deal with quality and mechanical issues.
The price difference between a new one and used with low kms isn't very much. Don't want the hassle of having to look for one in the right colour and number of kms. The 3 yr warranty.

[noone]

I understand where you are coming from, but you may be interested to know:

a new one with no options prob goes for $25ish?
I got mine when it was still under warranty with 10,000kms for $20K

There was a Polo on here not too long ago with a LOT of work (bigger turbo, LSD, good suspension, etc) for <$25K.

If you are interested in the mods, picking up a car with the mods already done can save you a packet.

Anyways, my 2c, a new car will give you 3 years of peace of mind and I can understand that may be a big draw.

[triode12]

I understand where you are coming from, but you may be interested to know:

a new one with no options prob goes for $25ish?
I got mine when it was still under warranty with 10,000kms for $20K

There was a Polo on here not too long ago with a LOT of work (bigger turbo, LSD, good suspension, etc) for <$25K.

If you are interested in the mods, picking up a car with the mods already done can save you a packet.

Anyways, my 2c, a new car will give you 3 years of peace of mind and I can understand that may be a big draw.

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the car ads.

[mikepologti]

truthfully ive had a alot of fun with my pog, ive got h and r suspension ($1800) fmic ($1100) chip ($1500 there are alternatives but i wont start a chip war) front and rear sway bars ($220 x 2) engine mount ( $150 ...i think? cant remember) apr diverter valve ($200ish i think once again cant remeber) forge tip and throttle body hose (round $400) and bushes round $50 i think. the best part about this car is alot of these can be done by yourself. like any car its all how you treat it with these mods my clutch still feels 100% fine ive never had any trouble at all accept for the recent tyre sensor. if you launch it at every set of lights then naturally your clutch wont last long. as for second hand pogs theres plenty of them out there, and some absalute bargains to be had not that im meaning to plug a website but try car sales dot com.

[break]

Well, in terms of reliability I've had pretty much the 'worst case' for a Polo GTI.

I've had:

* Air con (compressor is on the way out for its second time now, first time replaced under warranty)
* Gearbox (2nd gear crunching was fixed with APR mount, 3rd still has problems at times)
* Cooling (Water pump died, now it looks like there is a leak developing on the rad)
* Bushes (EVERY Polo with over 15k on the clock will have rooted front bushes)
* Pinging (Hot summer days in traffic with only the GIAC retune and I get pinging if I boost it afterwards... I need to wait for the car to get a cold air feed to cool down the intercooler for a bit before I boot it during these situations)

Still, I like the car and enjoy owning it.

[MissVuks]

Don't be put off from buying a Polo GTI due to what you read on here. As many people have mentioned in previous threads regarding all VW models and makes, we are a concentrated demographic of VW owners who are rather meticulous in regards to their cars.

We nit pick and we love our cars to be in prime working condition, so yes we will post our problems in the hope someone will have a solution to our worries.

In one weeks time I will have owned my car for 2 years and I still get a massive smile every time I take it for a drive.

[Servo]

My first choice was a MK5 GTi but the price for a new one (and I wanted new) was way out of my budget. Bought the Polo instead, sure there's issues but like everyone said and that you've experienced, the damn thing just puts a smile to your face. If you don't like the shape it does grow on you, to the point where when you park the car you have to take another look at how hot it is. Especially the blue

[leasaunce]

simple rule.

If you after a luxurious quiet car then DO NOT GET THE POLO!

Fun, zippy little car.

[GTI_PAPA]

Hey guys,

Thought I'd give my two cents regarding new polo gti purchase.

I bought my polo brand new 3 months ago and through this process found out a few things:

1) Shop around for the best price. I found dealers in vic that were offering newbies for $27800 drive away (with met. paint), but the cheapest in sydney was still $29900. I asked the local vw dealer if he could match the vic price and deal was made.

2) Be aware that you are not going to get a recent import. These cars are no longer being built. So try to get a late build date if possible (lucky to get past 07/08 build), and also check when complianced. If over a month prior to delivery, it has been sourced from another dealer, not vw direct. VW compliance as ordered, mine was complianced 3 days prior to delivery.

3) I've had mine back 5 times to get various things sorted, but after much frustration, and a phone call to vw, problems solved (Luv that warranty).

I dont regret buying brand new, and even though minez is stock, It's great fun to drive.

Good luck...