2003 Volkswagen Polo Sport 1.9 TDI-PD

Summary:

Build quality, Speed and Economy, Its all most of us need.

Faults:

Small water leak on the rear door.

General Comments:

The 1.9TDI engine gives the car a good turn of speed when needed.

The sport model has the sports suspension package and it makes a difference to handling.

The interior seems to have its fair share of rattles.

Overall the car gives a feeling of strength, which is a bonus on a small hatchback.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2006

2003 Volkswagen Polo S 1.9SDI 1.9 S diesel

Faults:

Steering pulled badly to the left.

Rear windows dropped.

Bad wind noise on both front doors\widows. Manufacturer says this is a fault which is common on this model - no solution yet available.

Wrong bushes fitted on front wheels resulting in creaking and knocking on suspension and steering still not 100% accurate. Manufacturer advises this fault exists on this model of Polo - no date yet as to when new bushes and tools will be available to remedy situation.

Seat cover stitching split.

Electric window switches do not work as they should.

General Comments:

The engine performance and fuel consumption is good.

Surprisingly quick car for a diesel if driven intelligently.

Not a car just for women!

Standard of manufacture on essential body parts, however, is bad and very troubling.

Car is only 10 months old, has spent a lot of time back at the dealer and has given problems since day one.

It is a good looking, good performance car being ruined by bad manufacturing.

Good points are spacious interior, comfort, well designed, good looking, good gearbox.

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

Review Date: 2nd March, 2004

12th Jan 2007, 14:59

I've had a completely different experience with this car. Simply, after 2 years nothing has gone wrong.

The car is a little slow from rest, but if driven intelligently the performance is reasonable for a car of this sort. The interior quality is impressive and the seats in particular are very supportive.

Overall a great little car.

2nd Aug 2007, 18:01

I do have a problem with the steering pulling to the left aswell, but apart from that it is a great car, economy is good, performance excellent, it does start off slow, but once going an excellent drive. I have a 1.9 TDi sport. Would highly recommend, also low on insurance.

2003 Volkswagen Polo E 55 1.2

Summary:

A great car let down by unacceptable manufacturing faults in only 4 months of

Faults:

Front wheel tracking was out of alignment from the factory and at delivery.

Unusual wear to front tyres at 5000 miles.

Creaking sound from front suspension was worn "bushes" on the "front wishbone" at 9,500 miles.

Knocking sound in the rear of car from loose internal trim by fuel intake and rear shock-absorber mounting at 9,500 miles.

Tracking out of alignment for a second time as was not checked when the "front bushes" were replaced by the dealer.

Paint work on bonnet chips easily on motorways as I find the paint to be quite soft.

The car seems to be under a certain amount of overall tension as it creaks when travelling at slow speeds on uneven roads and speed humps.

General Comments:

Feel very let down by VW as this was my first "brand-new" car and was expecting a higher build quality.

My car has been in the dealer workshop 3 times in 4 months since purchase.

I have lost complete faith and peace of mind in this VW car and by the attitude of VW in the UK to exchange my car for a new vehicle.

The car is actually a great vehicle with exception of poor build quality in the areas that I have mentioned.

Great fuel economy and a very smooth ride.

High quality interior gives the vehicle a very 1st class feel.

Plenty of room in the rear load area with an added advantage of removable rear seats.

The small 1.2 55bhp engine is great and performs perfectly well in the city and cruising between 70mph & 80mph on the motorway.

I tried the 1.2 65bhp model, but found it slower and not as "peppy" in the city.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2003

2nd Mar 2004, 17:39

I know exactly how you feel. My Polo S 1.9 SDI has all of the same faults and I have had the same bad treatment from the manufacturer and my dealer. My car was purchased in April 2003 and has been back at the dealer on average probably twice a month with still no end in sight. I have submitted a separate review to this site.

15th Feb 2005, 13:51

I also have a 2003 1.2 e 55bhp polo, purchased from new. Overall I am quite pleased with it - however I share your concerns regarding the paint chipping far too easily (mine is black which makes it worse!) and also the creaky suspension. The build quality overall is good apart from this.

9th Oct 2009, 04:59

I too have a 2003 VW Polo 1.2 E.

I find the paint chips too easily, I have had problems with the front and the rear suspension bushes, both needing to be replaced prematurely. I have had a corrosion issue with the front anti-roll bar which again needed to be replaced.

In parts of the interior the trim has started to pull away from the rest of the car. The interior has quite a few squeaks and rattles. The body work of the car is also very thin and made me feel the car was of poorer build quality than previous polos.

I won't be buying another polo.