2003 Volkswagen Polo 1 review from UK and Ireland

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.

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?