2002 Volkswagen Polo TDi PD Sport review from UK and Ireland
"Great engine in a poor reliability car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Dashboard rattles all the time - dealers cannot provide a permanent fix.
Oil leak from cylinder head gasket from new - fixed under warranty.
Fuel low warning buzzer 'pinging' randomly - fixed under warranty.
Brake squeal from both front (fixed by dealer, but introduced similar squeal from front during the 1st annual service!)
Engine management problems - dealer blamed it on the brake light sensor (???!!!)
Condensation problems from new.
Cabin heating randomly blowing extremely hot air despite position of temperature control dial. Heater control unit replaced - no effect. Currently waiting for replacement parts for dealer to attempt 2nd fix.
CD stuck in dash mounted 6-CD changer.
General comments?
Top of the range Polo (1.9 TDi PD Sport 3-door) :bottom of thr range for relaibility.
Both the girlfriend and I order this car from new, based on previous 'build quality' and overall good-standing of VW cars. What a disappointment to have so many problems with it since.
What is most annoying is that VW reduced the price of the Polo just 3 months after launching the car, and added the 6-CD changer as standard to our model (we bought it as an option). Result: poor reliability car, and annoyed owners!
Performance-wise it is another matter! This 1.9 TDi engine makes the Polo go like stink - I didn't think I'd have so much fun in a diesel. Handling is also pretty impressive.
It is also surprisingly frugal, returning 55+ miles to the gallon even when driven hard (be me) - topping 60+ mpg for a lighter-footed driver!
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Recommended reviews
  | Nice car, shame about the reliability |
| Build quality does not match VW image |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 12000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Corsa |
| Date of Entry | 20th May, 2003 |