Faults:

Door trim edges have lifted.

General Comments:

I bought this car at an auction for 7500 NZD with 25k on the clock. It was a Japanese import and I am the first NZ owner.

I bought it because I have had a few VWs before (Golfs) and like them, although they can be a little quirky.

I also bought it in order to keep running costs low, ie fuel, tyres etc. Everything is small on this car, so I figured that things should cost less. And so far so good.

I use it for mainly commuting and the occasional trip out of Auckland. I find it a stylish little car with a bit of a quality feel.

I say little, but I sometimes amaze myself with the amount of stuff I can squeeze into it when I fold the seats down.

I especially like the instrument panel.

It doesn't go fast, the suspension is a bit soft, but I don't mind, this is not a performance car, but a tidy little econo drive.

Nothing really has gone wrong, except the door trim is a little loose where the windows go up and down. This is an automatic too, which works well and is very simple and reliable.

I bought on purpose a low spec one as I know that VWs can be a little unreliable for door electrics, sunroofs etc.

So all in all, very happy. I am amazed to see so many bad reviews for this car. There are loads of them around, so people do buy them in large numbers; that must mean something.

Faults:

There was a very loud rattle from the CD player which the dealer fixed.

The trim on the rear doors is not very well attached.

General Comments:

A delightful car to drive.

The exterior looks solid and expensive as do the interior plastics, which have a wonderful feel - barring the steering wheel which is too thin.

Engine is very fizzy, but has a low red-line for a 16V - only 5750 RPM.

Handles very well.

Comfortable and roomy, but the boot is tall, but not deep. Increasing luggage space by folding the rear seats is not easy due to having to push the front seats forward and removing the rear head-rests.

Faults:

There was a terrible squeak from the dashboard that was due to the Compact Disk player being ill-fitted. This was fixed with a comment of "Yes, we have the fix-up pack for that". Why weren't they checked? Other Polo cars in showroom had same problem.

General Comments:

Surprising performance for such a small engine.

Uses very little fuel.

Engine has a "growl" to it.

Interior quality is fantastic.

The car is rare here and distinctive.

Feels robust.

Faults:

A small crack in the paint work between boot and bumper has appeared. No trouble for dealer to fix.

General Comments:

Handles beautifully.

Feels sporty.

Copes with Australian driving conditions very well.

Internal finish is excellent.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain some accessories in Australia (bonnet protector).