2002 Volkswagen Polo SE review from UK and Ireland

Interior is beset with rattles. Dash removed and re-fitted, but rattles remain.

The car vibrated severely at motorway speeds. Traced to unbalanced wheels and faulty suspension mounts.

The ECU has been replaced and loaded with new software. Instrument binnacle also replaced, but still get repeated ECU and engine warning lights.

Boot lining hanging down and boot light hanging by wires.

Car failed to start one very cold morning (ECU software flooded engine).

Stain on the rear seat when delivered and a cigarette burn on the carpet.

The paint is very soft (chips easily) and one side of the car has been resprayed because the paint "reacted" with the clear coat (lots of very small bubbles in paint).

When first collected, the bonnet was not on its hinges straight. The passenger door shut flush with the bodywork, but the driver's door sat proud.

I bought this car as my first VW, expecting to enjoy the supposedly legendary German build quality and reliability. However, my experiences have left me wondering if this is more a myth than a legend.

Overall, I love the appearance and road manners. It's great fun to drive and enjoys being pushed hard, with bags of grip, a nice exhaust note and acceptable performance for a 1.4. The interior design is excellent, with lots of nice "touches", such as neoprene linings to all the storage compartments to stop things rattling around and the chrome door pulls.

However, I am thinking of selling after eight months of trouble-filled motoring.