Faults:

We just had a service yesterday by a VW specialist (not a VW dealer) who gave a first class customer care and competitive price. Unfortunately he informed us that the car is developing a common fault on 1.2 Polos, which he suggested had its origin in the factory; two of the cylinders are losing compression to the extent that we have only 70% compression and a misfire at tickover. He said we'd likely get another year with the problem growing, but that by then it may become necessary to repair. The cost of this is an astounding £1,300 because the whole top of the engine would need to come off. It is shocking to think that this fault was not recalled early on, and that unsuspecting used buyers have to foot the bill.

General Comments:

We bought the car 3 years ago as it felt as though it was as solid as a tank, and VWs reputation suggested we'd get about 10 years out of it. (We'd already managed to get 10.5 low cost and trouble free years out of our previous Rover Metro and got nearly 13 from our Rover 100. We'd thought of buying a Toyota Yaris to replace them as we'd also had a Toyota Camry reach 250,000 miles!).

After a couple of months of ownership we thought we'd done the right thing after we were hit from behind by another car, and the Polo took the knock with incredible strength - a new rear bumper was needed, but the solid panel behind it was undamaged.

Another reason we chose the Polo was because it looked good with cute styling, and its silver paint still looks new after 3 years of ownership.

The interior is also very solid and durable, and has pleasant fabric and the blue-lit gauges are a nice touch.

The only problem we'd had before now was the rear washer, which failed soon after buying as did its replacement part!

I also frequently lamented the penny-pinching behind the lack of a boot-light!

We'd also always found the 1.2 55 bhp very underpowered, and would always recommend the 1.4 over it.

Until yesterday I thought we looked good for another 7 years of ownership, but think we'll have to move her on. £1,300 is ridiculous.

I may consider a 1.4 as this problem is restricted to the 1.2 - but I think Toyota may be my next stop.

On the other hand - can this be done cheaper?

Faults:

Broken front springs (both sides).

Front brake pads (standard wear and tear).

General Comments:

This little car is amazing. Yet it feels bigger than it is.

Economical (on an normal week, I average 55 mpg, on a motorway trip I averaged over 60).

The car has more than enough power to get you out of trouble. Very easy to be doing over a ton without realising.

Comfortable and quiet also for a diesel. Apart from a couple of rattles (taking age of car into consideration), the build quality is excellent and car has never let me down.

Faults:

All dash lights come on while driving for about 5 seconds, thus resetting the odometer clock. The car jerks briefly during this time as if it intends to stall. Then it behaves fine for the next 30kms.

Since the last reset the airbag light is continuously on. Does it have a master module that could be faulty? Please help.

General Comments:

The car generally goes well except for the occasional resetting problem.

I`m happy with the handling, comfort and economy.