Considering a Polo GTI 9n3 - reliability? problems?

[flat6]

Edit: I just wish the 9n3 Polo GTI had more modern tech! Don't know if you owners feel the same?
Off the top of my head, the things the 207 GTi has that the 9n3 Polo GTI doesn't have include:
rear parking sensors
cornering lamps
automatic headlights
dual zone climate control AC

(And they were roughly the same generation of cars, with the 207 GTI being slightly newer)

I would like those niceties because I think that's part of the reason why you want a new / newer car...

It would probably make my decision a lot easier haha

But it does mean more things to go wrong..

That's not what this Polo is all about, its more focused on the driving experience, plus you don't need parking sensors in a car this size.

I have heated seats in mine, when winter rolls around they are the best! Also the headlights are adjustable and viewing distance is more than adequate in every scenario.

Dual zone is also pointless as a car this size has only 1 zone lol

[jing713]

That's not what this Polo is all about, its more focused on the driving experience, plus you don't need parking sensors in a car this size.

I have heated seats in mine, when winter rolls around they are the best! Also the headlights are adjustable and viewing distance is more than adequate in every scenario.

Dual zone is also pointless as a car this size has only 1 zone lol

Yeah, heated seats are great... especially if you have leather seats! haha

I've had a 2012 WRX hatch and currently a mk7 Golf GTI in the family, I think I'm a bit spoilt in terms of modern gizmo expectations..

[seangti]

Yeah it's no way a luxury car, though it's far from uncomfortable or impractical in light modification spec. My wife has an X3, and I'm equally happy to drive either car. I'm actually not overly fond of the X3. Anyhow, long distances in the polo is surprising fine, I have aftermarket suspension which can be a bit more tiresome on B roads but is nothing that upping the pace doesn't overcome

My track car, done ~250kms in it this week, now that's a tough daily drive, NVH through the roof, too compromised for daily IMO, which is fine, fit for purpose, sense of occasion and all that. Boy am I happy to drive my daily today.

[jing713]

If you want toys then get an Octavia Elegance spec 1.8tsi manual. If you want toys & power get an Octavia vRS.

Both are reasonably refined and cheaper than a GTI. You'll get a good 2008/2009 model for $7,000-10,000

I've had a look at the Octavias of that generation after you suggested it.

I'm definitely after a hot / warm hatch after having two sedans / coupes
Also, I think they're a bit too big at 4.5m long for someone that rarely has over 1 passenger.
(I don't have a family and probably won't for at least another 5 years )

Sidenote: Don't you the Octavias of that generation look a bit funky (in a bad way) when compared to the modern Octavias? Haha
I quite like the latest Octavia, I think they are somewhat elegant and understated.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

Yeah it's definitely not a modern style gadget car. I've had mine about a year now, and no problems so far.
Since the tune and a couple of other minor mods it's been a blast to drive, but it's not at all refined or luxurious. Good luck with the car search

Thanks, I am taking at a look at a 207 GTi this weekend and will probably take a look at a Polo GTI at a later date.

Yeah it's no way a luxury car, though it's far from uncomfortable or impractical in light modification spec. My wife has an X3, and I'm equally happy to drive either car. I'm actually not overly fond of the X3. Anyhow, long distances in the polo is surprising fine, I have aftermarket suspension which can be a bit more tiresome on B roads but is nothing that upping the pace doesn't overcome

My track car, done ~250kms in it this week, now that's a tough daily drive, NVH through the roof, too compromised for daily IMO, which is fine, fit for purpose, sense of occasion and all that. Boy am I happy to drive my daily today.

Just had a look at your threads, that's a very heavily modded red Polo GTI you have there!

I was under the impression that as they are a VW, they are a touch above the standard Japanese cars in terms of comfort and 'luxury'.

For example, the 2012/13 WRX we had was rather raw, hard plastics all over the place and there's just little touches here and there when compared to the Mk7 Golf GTI we have that suggest it's sort of in a different class.

The WRX was more raw, had more road noise and on the other hand, the Golf GTI had more tech gadgets like a reversing camera, touch screen infotainment system, nicer cabin appointment, much quieter cabin and just felt more refined in general.

I was hoping the 9n3 Polo GTI would share the same ideology, but I think I'm wrong - at least on the tech side of things!

Cheers guys, will let you know how things progress.

[brad]

I've had a look at the Octavias of that generation after you suggested it.

I'm definitely after a hot / warm hatch after having two sedans / coupes
Also, I think they're a bit too big at 4.5m long for someone that rarely has over 1 passenger.
(I don't have a family and probably won't for at least another 5 years )

Sidenote: Don't you the Octavias of that generation look a bit funky (in a bad way) when compared to the modern Octavias? Haha
I quite like the latest Octavia, I think they are somewhat elegant and understated.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

The "sedan" is a hatchback.

I don't think they are that big but many of my previous vehicles were 5m plus in length so I guess it what you are used to.

Looks - yes they are as ugly as sin but you don't have to look at it when you are driving so who gives a toss? I thought you wanted toys, power, refinement & a price less than $10k. You can't have it all.

[Sharkie]

I have owned 2 x 9N3 Polo GTIs (actually the same 1 twice) for a total of 3+2=5 years with a 2 year gap inbetween. For the price there is nothing that can provide so much fun and reliability.

It has all the necessary bits like AC, traction and stability control, multiple airbags, cruise control etc. It misses out on BT and SatNav but that can be added afterwards at a reasonable price.

The drive is hardish but sooooo entertaining ..... I'd buy my old 1 back again even if it is now approaching 10 years in age. Cruising on the highway was supremely easy and comfortable and still returned around 5.7l/100km.

It was absolutely bullet proof and never had a major mechanical issue other than regular scheduled services. It was stg 2+ as well which meant it made 170+kw and was properly quick.

A 207GTI will not even come close to the basic fun you will have in a lightly tuned 9N3 GTI. In fact very little in the VW stable (and I include Skodas in that) will be comparable, its the classic "MX5" of the range .... highly underrated IMO.

[jing713]

I have owned 2 x 9N3 Polo GTIs (actually the same 1 twice) for a total of 3+2=5 years with a 2 year gap inbetween. For the price there is nothing that can provide so much fun and reliability.

It has all the necessary bits like AC, traction and stability control, multiple airbags, cruise control etc. It misses out on BT and SatNav but that can be added afterwards at a reasonable price.

The drive is hardish but sooooo entertaining ..... I'd buy my old 1 back again even if it is now approaching 10 years in age. Cruising on the highway was supremely easy and comfortable and still returned around 5.7l/100km.

It was absolutely bullet proof and never had a major mechanical issue other than regular scheduled services. It was stg 2+ as well which meant it made 170+kw and was properly quick.

A 207GTI will not even come close to the basic fun you will have in a lightly tuned 9N3 GTI. In fact very little in the VW stable (and I include Skodas in that) will be comparable, its the classic "MX5" of the range .... highly underrated IMO.

Hi all,

Had a look at a 207 GTi just on Saturday, was quite impressed by the model.

Had things like instant fuel consumption, steering column mounted radio & cruise control, auto door locking etc.

Pulled reasonably well as well with 3 people in the car.

However, did not purchase as the seller seemed to be dishonest.

NSW rego history check showed there were 5 registered operators and it was recently held by a dealership for resale in April.

He claims he has had it since Dec 2013 and he is the second owner.

Also a quick google with the number plate suggested it was listed before (perhaps by the dealership) for only $8990.
He listed the car for $9990, said his bottom line was $9250, I wanted $8500. There was <1 month registration left too.

Things didn't add up, although the car seemed to be good mechanically (for 98k km).

That's the only 207 GTi I can find online so far!

Anyhow, I'm going overseas on Sunday for 2 weeks and I will see how things go from there.


If I go down the Polo GTI path, I have considered changing the stereo so it has bluetooth etc. But the cost of that and an ECU tune usually makes it more expensive than a comparable 207 GTi.

Perhaps the Polo GTI isn't the car for me, as it doesn't have as many bells and whistles - but I will probably take a look at one and see how it fits for size when I'm back, especially if there aren't any other 207 GTis for sale.

Thanks for all your insights, opinions and comments.

Cheers.