A pair of 62N (MY00) clutch and gearbox questions. Also, general issues?

[grue]

Hey guys,

Just test drove a MY00 Polo 16v yesterday and had a couple of questions:

1. Where does the clutch tend to have the friction point? This one was pretty damned high compared to what I'm used to, and I'm not sure if it's an adjustment issue or if it's coming up on needing replacement. If the latter, how much does that cost / can it be done by oneself?

2. Does the gearbox always feel vague and kinda crummy, or might this one have had something wrong? It wasn't the worst I've ever driven but I was definitely less than impressed.

3. What tends to go wrong on these? Also, if the timing belt hasn't been done, is that doable in a reasonable amount of time at home?

[jets]

Our 6N2 Polo's friction point is quite close to the floor. I have just changed the clutch & the adjustment is correct. I purchased a LUK clutch kit & paid around $170. You may not be able to buy one that cheap but just over $200 should be achievable.
I changed mine myself on the floor & had a friend help to lift the gearbox once everything was unbolted. I found it quite difficult for a first time because it's hard to get your hands in there to undo things.
The gearbox on ours is good but the linkage is less than perfect. Feels a bit vague like you said but after a while you get used to it. Compared with our Mk5 Golf it's imprecise.
I did the timing belt on ours when first purchased as it was 4 years since the last & that was VWs recommendation at the time. It has now been revised to 7 years.I changed the water pump as well which had the plastic impeller. Everthing was perfect & I felt at the time it was a waste but I did get to look at everything.
I consider it DIY but I did need to make a holder for the crank pulley, a simple bar to lock the 2 cam pulleys & I modified a bar that I used on a Mk1 golf to support the engine from the top.
Overall we are happy with the Polo but as they are quite old now, be prepared for some work or spending some money.
Just thought I would add that the gearbox selector shaft is near the bottom of the box & can leak around the seal. If left, the gearbox can run low on oil & get ruined. Sometimes a brg in the box can spin in the housing ruining the whole box, so any brg noises should be attended to straight away to avoid this happening.

[grue]

Our 6N2 Polo's friction point is quite close to the floor. I have just changed the clutch & the adjustment is correct. I purchased a LUK clutch kit & paid around $170. You may not be able to buy one that cheap but just over $200 should be achievable.
I changed mine myself on the floor & had a friend help to lift the gearbox once everything was unbolted. I found it quite difficult for a first time because it's hard to get your hands in there to undo things.
The gearbox on ours is good but the linkage is less than perfect. Feels a bit vague like you said but after a while you get used to it. Compared with our Mk5 Golf it's imprecise.
I did the timing belt on ours when first purchased as it was 4 years since the last & that was VWs recommendation at the time. It has now been revised to 7 years.I changed the water pump as well which had the plastic impeller. Everthing was perfect & I felt at the time it was a waste but I did get to look at everything.
I consider it DIY but I did need to make a holder for the crank pulley, a simple bar to lock the 2 cam pulleys & I modified a bar that I used on a Mk1 golf to support the engine from the top.
Overall we are happy with the Polo but as they are quite old now, be prepared for some work or spending some money.
Just thought I would add that the gearbox selector shaft is near the bottom of the box & can leak around the seal. If left, the gearbox can run low on oil & get ruined. Sometimes a brg in the box can spin in the housing ruining the whole box, so any brg noises should be attended to straight away to avoid this happening.

Great info, thanks! How much did the timing belt and water pump set you back? If it's pretty reasonable I'd consider doing it as preventative maint in this case.

What's a brg?

[jets]

What's a brg?

Bearing.
I payed from memory 35 pounds[UK] on Ebay UK & around 28 pounds postage.It turned out to be genuine. I bought the water pump in Aust, can't remember how much from Imparts.

[grue]

Bearing.
I payed from memory 35 pounds[UK] on Ebay UK & around 28 pounds postage.It turned out to be genuine. I bought the water pump in Aust, can't remember how much from Imparts.

Great, thanks. I'll have a VW specialist shop take a look at it before I buy but at least I know what to expect now