2004 Volkswagen Polo Sport 1.4 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good all round performance and quality feel and image only marred by reliability problems

Faults:

Faulty bushes on front suspension causing knocking noise.

Faulty rear screen demister (needed new windscreen)

Faulty rear screen wiper jet (water pipe came loose)

Engine emission warning light stayed on (no obvious fault when checked, disappeared when computer memory was reset)

Faulty cigar lighter

All the faults mentioned above were repaired/rectified under the manufacturer's warranty.

General Comments:

The car has a feel of quality about it,it looks great in silver with the standard alloys and drives like a much bigger car. The quality of the ride is very good and the engine is quiet and pacey. It does not perform as an outright sports car as the name suggests, but it has a fair turn of speed whenever required and can keep up with motorway traffic with great ease. It would have been a great car if not for the little niggles and faults experienced during the first year of ownership. I am concerned that if any of the above problems do reoccur when the initial warranty runs out next january, I will then have to foot the bill for any repairs which may be extortionate at VW dealers.

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

Review Date: 22nd July, 2006

22nd Sep 2007, 14:02

The car has been utterly reliable for the past year since I submitted the first review. The engine is a bit noisy on start up from cold, but I believe this is normal with most VW Polos. I was going to change the car initially in view of the problems which were thankfully rectified under the terms of the three year warranty. The only niggly thing which is worth mentioning is the occasional noise made by the rear disc brakes on reversing, especially when the car has been standing overnight. I had this checked by the main dealer when it went for a service, but they could not detect any faults or deficiencies with the braking system which in fact is very efficient except for the noise. The car behaves impeccably and still looks immaculate with the silver paintwork still looking as glossy as when it left the showroom. I will probably keep the car for another year until I exchange it, hopefully for a Golf GTi or an Audi A3.

6th May 2009, 18:33

The car has been very reliable since my last entry, the only parts which needed changing were the rear discs and pads and an EGR valve... otherwise the car has behaved impeccably, starting well and there are still no rattles coming from the dashboard as often mentioned in the comments about this model.

I had the car serviced at the main dealer in the area where I live, and again the only comment I can make is that the work is first class, but the bills are rather expensive for a car of this size. The paintwork is still glossy and there are no rust spots, considering that the car is now over 5 yrs old. The engine is running really well and the car is still a joy to drive.

I am so impressed with the car's performance and ride quality that I am now considering to trade it in for the Polo Sport105 model, which is slightly more powerful. There are some special deals at the moment as this model is being phased out to make way for the new Polo which comes out in September of this year.

The colour I would go for again is Reflex Silver, as it gives the car a more classy look.

The last comment I would add is that despite the initial problems encountered when the car was new (repaired under warranty), it has been utterly reliable. I will be sad to see it go soon and I do hope that it goes to another good home :)

In reply to 22nd Sep 2007, 14:02

5th Dec 2019, 08:30

Generally, noise on reversing is the automatic handbrake adjustment.

2004 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline 2.0 from Mexico

Summary:

The prefect car "but"...!!!

Faults:

This is the first time that I have a Volkswagen, Polos are very nice cars and have a nice style. The first problem, was since I get the car out of the dealer, when I switch the reverse and the car is moving slow, pressing the brake, there's a loud noise coming from the rear tire. I sent the car to the dealer, but they told me that is normal, because the car was new just 100, they told me that these noise going to disappear at 1000km more less. Now it has 6900Km and the noise still there.

The second problem was yesterday, when switch first, and the clutch, just don't came up. I called the dealer and they pick up the car, I don't know how long going to take this repair, but it is incredible, that a new car has those kind of problems. I just have two months with my new Polo, I really love it, but I feel bad about it.

General Comments:

I had the idea, that German cars are very good, they have style that's why I get a Polo and not an American car.

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

Review Date: 27th March, 2005

10th Aug 2006, 02:16

Recently bought a 2004 Polo Wwist 1.4 petrol from a dealer with 15,000 miles on clock. The brakes sound very noisy, particularly when reversing. The gears seem to clunk, again noisy, and on starting it sounds like a diesel. My husband thinks it's the tappets, and the brakes being noisy is the ABS system. We've had VW's in the past, but not for a while, Nissan have been our preferred choice for the past 8 years. Has anyone else experienced these problems, or are they just the normal running sounds from this model? Can anyone help. I'm not sure I'd have another one.

7th Sep 2006, 11:00

Hi.

I brought a VW Polo 1.6 about a year ago, its got 40,000 on the clock. I have been very satisfied with VW, i had good service from them so far. I have however noticed a slight rattle coming from the back of the car, when driving over bumpy roads. I've looked all over (the exhaust, spare tire holder etc..) but still haven't found the prob. Will see what the dealers say when I take in it for next service.

Many VW engines sound like diesels, it is a VW trademark, he he =)

Iv had 3 VWs and have been very satisfied with the excellent designs and especially the reliability of the vehicles.

1st Mar 2007, 06:48

Re: the lady's comments on 10 Aug 2006. You have probably fixed the brake problems by now. Buying a used car throws up several common problems, one being worn brake linings even with 15000 miles on the clock. Replacement of linings doesn't bust the bank, so one can sleep easy. The noisy engine on starting is a common trait of the VW Polo - it is not as quiet as a Japanese car.