1998 Volkswagen Polo Classic 4dr review from South Africa
"Satisfies 95% of my motoring needs"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water pump failed at 280 000km.
No real problems apart from plastic wheel covers which frequently fall off and about 5 punctures (always seems to be the right rear..).
General comments?
This car has been extremely reliable and very economical to run and maintain.
Although the tyres are only 155/70 13's they provide nimble handling and give ample warning when the limits of road holding are approached - and they are cheap to replace.
The 1400 engine can feel sluggish around town, but it is a very smooth unit and perfectly happy cruising at 140km/h (approx 4500rpm), while remaining very economical.
Some rattles have surfaced after thousands of kilometers all over southern Africa, many of which were on challenging dirt roads.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | Beautiful looking junk |
![]() | Unless this was a Friday afternoon car I will never buy one of these again |
All 1998 Volkswagen Polo reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.4i Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 314000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf |
| Date of Entry | 28th November, 2006 |





