1999 Volkswagen Polo Classic 1.4

Summary:

What a let-down! Avoid this car - please

Faults:

Strip on the driver's door came loose and was hanging off after only three weeks. I was told that it could take months to replace and finally agreed to let the dealer stick the same strip back on the door again.

Entire ignition unit had to be replaced after one year. It took numerous phonecalls to Volkswagen to accomplish this.

Brakes make a noise regularly just like worn brakes - however, they have been checked and have been passed.

I have just discovered that the two front tyres are wearing on the inside, especially the front right. I am told this has been caused by initial poor tracking and alignment and am currently trying to negotiate with Volkswagen - not easy!

I am constantly reminding passengers to slam the back doors quite hard for the locks to catch. Even so, I have driven the car many times with one or both back doors not closed properly as people are reluctant to slam the car doors as hard as is needed.

The rear view mirror fell off one day when I was driving on the motorway. Pulled in and managed to replace and secure it to its fitting.

General Comments:

I feel very disappointed with this car. I have been left sitting on the roadside for hours at a time when the ignition failed on two occasions.

The after sales service is certainly more imaginary than real in my experience. I am weary of Volkswagen representatives and their uncaring attitude to my difficulties with their product. I will definitely not buy another Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2000

28th Mar 2001, 13:24

I have a Polo which is less than 3 years old. I bought it privately with 4000 miles on the clock without realising that the previous owner had missed an annual service. I have just had to pay for a brand new engine after 14000 miles. VW still expect me to pay for half of this despite the fact that the lack of one service would not have affected anything (according to two independent mechanics).The engine was obviously faulty.

This is my second Polo: the first needed a new gear box after 23000 miles.

I would certainly not describe them as reliable. The after-sales service is appalling and I will not be buying another one.

1999 Volkswagen Polo CL 1.6

Faults:

Within 2 weeks the sunroof handle broke, this was replaced by the dealer.

The driver sun-visor constantly fell to the floor whilst driving.

Both power windows worked sporadically and the driver side didn`t work for most of the time.

Fuse cover didn`t fit over the fuses due to positioning of tiny glove compartment and steering rack.

Reverse gear crunched most of the time when engaging.

General Comments:

Overall the build quality really let down this car. The engine was sweet and responsive though, and especially good on motorways where it felt very strong, safe and reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd February, 2000

1999 Volkswagen Polo CL 1.4

Faults:

CD player not connected properly by dealer.

Back personalised number plate started to fall off (also fitted by dealer).

General Comments:

Car very reliable and fun to drive, unusual for a small car. Doesn't seem at all like a small car actually. Good solid car, and although more expensive than rivals, depreciation is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 1999

31st Jul 2001, 11:35

The drive quality is poor, especially when cornering - the car jumps to the side, doesn't hold the road very well.

The engine is adequate, not aggressive.

1999 Volkswagen Polo L 1.4

Faults:

Everything that the dealer's themselves have had anything to do with has gone wrong (CD player extra fitted by dealers gone wrong twice, raised brake light badly fitted, car arrived with reverse lights shorting out which they should have checked).

General Comments:

Great car, fun to drive, good build quality.

With the exception of the sales staff, very poor dealer service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th May, 1999