2002 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 review from Germany
"A total lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
In August 2002 we bought a brand-new VW Polo 1.4. After only nine months problems appeared intermittently with the engine management system. The EPC warning light would come on half-way through a journey, with drastically reduced engine power in 1st and 2nd gear.
Our local VW garage said it was an electronic error and replaced the appropriate part.
Six weeks later the same problem occurred. This time engine power was virtually nil. We took it back to the garage and this time they replaced a different part.
The next day the same thing happened all over again.
As the car is still under guarantee we have had free repairs and courtesy cars both times. However, it seems that VW just cannot sort this problem out, and we are left with a totally unreliable car that will be difficult to sell..
General comments?
We are particularly disappointed in this car as our previous Polo was wonderful and lasted over 15 years. But our recent experience of both the 2002 Polo and of VW's inability to solve the problem means that we will never buy another Volkswagen again.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Build quality does not match VW image |
| Great to look at - but VERY unreliable |
All 2002 Volkswagen Polo reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 55kW petrol engine Manual |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 20 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 4000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Thing |
| Date of Entry | 14th July, 2003 |